Mabaruma Town Council to be scrutinised

ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MUST REMAIN ACCOUNTABLE for
their stewardship and none lacking integrity will be protected by the Irfaan Ali administration
warned Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Mr. Nigel Dharamlall.
Dharamlall threw down the gauntlet last Wednesday to Councillors when he met them in the
Mabaruma Town Council Boardroom in Barima/Waini (Region One).
“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,” Minister Dharamlall counselled.
The Minister reminded Councillors since taking office last year, his Ministry began auditing
several municipalities, including that of the capital city, Georgetown. Dharamlall demanded
transparency in the council’s procurement process and frequent statutory meetings.
The minister said he is concerned by the dire financial state of the relatively new Council, hence
the audit. The scrutiny will help enhance and bring efficiency to its operations, Dharamlall
forecasted.
“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,” the Minister
promised.
He continued, “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.”
The new projects must boost employment in the Region to stimulate the local economy,
Dharamlall said.

“This town can transform massively and in a very good way (and) I think you should see your
position as very critical…with good leadership which not only includes the mayor and deputy
mayor but everyone in the Council.,” Minister Dharamlall said.
The Mabaruma Town Council so far received 50 per cent of its subvention to conduct its
this year’s work programme.