The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has urged the Wakenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to strictly monitor all projects on the island to guard against the perception of collusion between officers and suppliers.

Permanent Secretary at the ministry Sewchan said the council, the region and contractor/s are charged with ensuring that projects are delivered within the specified time, design and with strict adherence to the budget, a press release from the Region Three Regional Administration Office said. During a recent visit to the region Sewchan said, “We cannot be oblivious to the perception that there is collusion between suppliers/contractors and officers…we have to guard against that perception. There must be proper accountability and transparency…the procurement of goods and services must be done in a manner that is above board.”

He also noted that rates collection hovers around 53% and he urged the NDC to adopt new strategies and to be more proactive in order to accelerate developmental works. Sewchan said the management of human, financial and other resources is critical to the proper functioning of the NDC. He noted too that the Regional Democratic Council’s statutory meeting would be held across the region.

The release said Sewchan was accompanied by ministry and regional officials including Regional Chairman Julius Faerber, Regional Executive Officer Nandlall Ramkissoon, Regional Engineer Patiram Ramlall, District Education Officer Cheryl Chase, Information Officer Jaidev Dudhnath and Agriculture Officer Ruth Dover. The team also hosted discussions with staff at the Wakenaam Cottage Hospital during a surprise visit there. Both Sewchan and Faerber said they were impressed by the clean and tidy environment at the hospital and urged the staff to keep up the good work.