A brand new building to house the Regional Democratic Office, new roads and vehicles are among the capital expenditures for Region 10.
As the consideration of the 2017 Budget estimates continued on Tuesday in the Committee of Supply, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams-Patterson was grilled by her colleagues across the floor. Explaining the need for the new building, the minister pointed out that for years the offices of the Region have been housed at various locations, but with the new building all the offices will be in one building. It would be located at Wisroc and will accommodate some 75 staff members, and will encompass a canteen, lunch room, rest room and a large boardroom.
PPP/C MP Neendkumar wanted to know if the people of Linden would be paying the 14% VAT that will be attached to the electricity and water bills come next year, as according to him, from what he has seen budgeted for the regional buildings for next year, it does not reflect the increase. “I want to know if the people of Linden are special and they would not pay VAT?” the parliamentarian asked.
“I know the people of Linden are very special people, and we would be paying VAT,” the minister, who hails from Linden, replied.
Following further questioning from PPP/C MPs Juan Edghill and Collin Croal, the minister disclosed that a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser will be purchased next year, to be utilized by the Regional Executive Officer who does not have a designated vehicle, but has been using the one allocated to the accounts department of the Region. Further, a brand new boat and engine will be purchased to be used by the Region in the Demerara River.
Under schools, Croal attempted to ask about the donation that was received under the previous regional administration for the rebuilding of the One Mile Primary School that was destroyed by fire some years ago.
However, the minister stated that there is no allocation in next year’s budget for that school.
