The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development will soon launch an audit of the Mabaruma Town Council, in Region One, due to its recent financial problems.
Ministry of Local Government Nigel Dharamlall informed council members of the move during a meeting on Wednesday in the region.
According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Dharamlall said while the town council is relatively new, it is facing serious financial problems, hence the decision to conduct the audit, which may begin as soon as next week.
“We are not going to cover anyone who is corrupt and who has misappropriated the council’s resources. As a minister, I wanted to make that very clear to you, and I hope that you will also give us that support to make sure that the monies that you collect and the work that you do with these resources are geared towards the benefit of the people,” he was quoted as telling the town councillors.
Since the PPP/C administration took office in 2020, the ministry began auditing the operations of several municipalities, including Georgetown.
According to the DPI, Dharamlall said he would like to see transparency in the Mabaruma council’s procurement process.
“As a government, we will provide as much support that you require to get you to the point where the residents of Mabaruma would like to be. So, next year, you are going to see some massive investments in health in the region, and in particular, in Mabaruma. This is going to be one of the signature projects that we are doing in your town. You are also going to see some investments in enhanced transportation within the town and also from Georgetown to Mabaruma,” he added.
Dharamlall also told the town council that any investments being made should be in the interest of residents to promote employment, thereby ensuring the local economy is boosted and, by extension, the national economy.
“I think you should see your position as a very critical juncture with good leadership which not only includes the mayor and deputy mayor but everyone in the council. This town can transform massively and in a very good way,” he said.
The DPI noted that the town council has received 50 per cent of its subvention to conduct its 2021 work programme.
