When the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council sits at its first decision-making session today, several motions are likely to be moved to trigger the process of making the administration transparent, following the disclosure that some 16 projects which were paid for in full in 2011 had not been completed.
Following the installation of the 7th council of Region 10 about two weeks ago, the 16 irregularities were brought to light, including three projects, totalling in excess of $1.6 million, which are not yet completed but are already paid for in full.
Meanwhile, another issue of misuse and abuse of transportation has caused eyebrows to be raised and investigations have commenced.
According to an informed source, senior officers in the previous RDC were engaged in the practice of duplicating licence plates of defunct vehicles belonging to the region and placing them on privately-owned vehicles. This was especially noted in the case of an open back blue pick-up truck, which carries the licence plate PHH 7217 and belongs to the Regional Administration.
When the council sits today, these and other issues are likely to be on the table. Based on a document seen by Stabroek News, 14 resolutions under ‘works’, three under ‘education’, two under ‘finance’ and one other are scheduled for discussion and adoption.
Those earmarked under works include the stipulation that no contract for jobs must be issued by members of the works department and contracts will be looked at by the Chairman and the Regional Executive Officer (REO).
The councillors will also consider that the region has no need for an overseer and move to have this position voided. Linden contractors are to have first preference for jobs in Region 10, and the works department must be visible in the Berbice River when work are in progress there.
In addition, the RDC will consider the need for a qualified engineer and a Clerk of Works as well as an employment committee comprising the Chairman, the REO and a member of the RDC.
It is also expected that a decision will be taken to do an inventory of all working vehicles and all houses under the RDC and no occupancy will be allowed without the RDC’s permission.
On the agenda under education, is a resolution requiring that all vehicles be parked at the office location and must be under the administration of the Regional Education Officer (REdO). All hostels for school children must come under the direct supervision of the REdO, including ordering of provisions, while all staff hired for the various programme areas must be at the request of the programme head.
Regarding finance, councillors would be targeting monthly expenditure statements which must be sent to each programme area for them to reconcile spending and the purchasing of equipment and other resources for programmes must have the programme head’s approval and signature before any purchase is made.
In addition, a resolution is also expected be passed requiring a review of the $14,000 monthly salary cleaners currently receive.
