Region Ten Got Significant Monies To Fight COVID- Minister Dharamlall

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development has disclosed that Region Ten got
significant monies under the previous administration to fight COVID. He made this disclosure on
his first official visit to the Region recently, where he formally met with the Regional
Councillors and the RDC. The meeting took place at the Watooka Guest house and saw Minister
Dharamlall cautioning Regional Councillors and other stakeholders that the Region must account
for how those monies were spent. He went on to state that the fight against COVID must be one
that sees all stakeholders and interest groups getting involved.
Expressing the view that he is plain spoken and a frank induvial, the Minister disclosed that he
will not beat around. He said that the region must account for how the monies received were
spent.
Meanwhile, in addressing some challenges the minister disclosed that the previous
administration had spent some 1.5 billion dollars on capital works for COVID. He noted that
while he does not have region ten figures at the top of his head, he is aware of what was given to
the region. He added that it was very significant. “I hope that the monies were carefully and
properly spent,” the Minister said.
The Local Government Minister reminded the administrative arm of the Regional Democratic
Council (RDC) that they must aid significantly in playing a pivotal role in addressing COVID.
“The RDC must be reminded that they must play a serious role in containing and secondly
eradicating this malicious disease that has affected every segment of our country,” the Minister
stressed.
In addressing issues of corruption and failure in being accountable and transparent, the Minister
disclosed that there are several loopholes in the system, which he said needs to be addressed.
“Please do not allow the loopholes to get the better of you, as we must reduce corruption as
much as possible,” the minister urged.
Speaking about the importance of having an all-inclusive Regional Task Force to fight COVID,
the Minister urged the acting REO to include as many persons as possible. This, he stressed is
critically important in ensuring that various stakeholders and interests’ groups are given an
opportunity of playing a meaningful part.
“This Region has a Regional Health and Emergency Committee (RHEC) that has a Regional
Task Force and the acting REO and RHO plays a critical role. It shouldn’t be for politicians only,
but bring everyone on board,” Minister Dharamlall advised.
Commenting on what he dubbed as large amount of resources coming to Region Ten, the
Minister pointed out that Region Ten got more than some other regions. “It is not at the top of
my head now how much was spent on COVID related activities in capital works,” he said.
He added, “I think it was quite substantial. In fact, the smallest amount was 92 million that went
to another region. So, a lot came to your region and I hope that it was expended well”.

Minister Dharamlall reiterated his government’s support in enhancing the health care
professionals’ lives, disclosing several packages that President Ali’s administration has crafted
out. He cautioned politicians within the region to act respectful and responsible, stressing that
there are evidences that shows several politicians using their involvement to create political
mischief.
“We must ensure that the nurses get what they deserve, but don’t allow politics to be more
important that your daily bread,” he passionately warned.