APNU’s shadow minister for public infrastructure, Joseph Harmon has queried the basis on which $750 million was transferred from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to the Public Works Ministry but Commissioner of the regulatory body, Karen Livan says that this is provided for in its functions.
In a letter to Livan, Harmon referred to statements by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud who was reported as saying that the GGMC had transferred $500 million to the public works ministry to help rehabilitate roads in all mining districts.
Harmon said that the minister further stated that an additional $250 million has been allocated to the Bartica/Potaro area.
He also referred to a statement by the minister that a team of engineers has already assessed the condition of the roads and will make specific recommendations in another few weeks.
“Having regards to the minister’s statement that specific recommendations will be made in a few weeks could you indicate the basis upon which $750 million of GGMC funds were transferred to the Public Works Ministry,” Harmon queried. “Could you also please indicate at which meeting of the Board of Directors was approval given for the transfer announced by the minister,” he added.
In response, Livan said that the functions of the GGMC include construction of roads for the transport of minerals and mineral products and assisting in providing access to mining areas. Accordingly, the Commission makes provision for facilitating road access in mining areas in its annual approved Work Programme and Budget, she said.
“With the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and the guidance of the Hinterland Infrastructure Committee, the GGMC has developed a framework for reviewing and funding works to roads in mining areas. Through the Hinterland Infrastructure Commit-tee, the GGMC benefits from the full technical support and guidance from the Ministry of Public Works and Communication,” she said.
“Any transfer of funds that GGMC is required to make to the Public Works Ministry is duly authorized by Cabinet and the Chairman and Board of Directors of the Commission. GGMC also has the option of directly funding road works with the technical support of the Ministry of Works and Communications directly and through the Hinterland Infras-tructure Committee,” Livan added.
