KSAMC purging its payroll to prevent fraud, corruption

By Clinton McGregor    

 

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is carrying out a major purge of its payroll of people collecting monthly paychecks under the guise of being employees of the Municipal Corporation.

 

This was disclosed Tuesday by Mayor of Kingston, Andrew Swaby.

 

Speaking at the monthly meeting of the municipal corporation at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston, Mayor Swaby said his administration has embarked on a campaign to crack down on corruption, waste and fraud at the KSAMC.

 

"There are persons on the payroll of the KSAMC who have never showed up to work, but received full salaries. In the Rae Town division in Central Kingston, two persons where being paid to manage the sanitary conveniences that were never open. These contracts were not renewed. In doing so, we ensured taxpayers' money were being spent wisely," the mayor declared.

 

Similarly, he shared that the workforce of over 30 people at St. William Grant Park had to be cut as some employees had been "signing in and working elsewhere". 

 

"We have downsized the team to nine dedicated workers. This improved efficiency [has] reduced costs, ensured better use of public funds. Today the park is in a much better condition, maintained by nine persons compared to when it's managed over 30 people," said Mayor Swaby. 

 

He also disclosed that the KSAMC has introduced a new reporting system for councillors who travel abroad on behalf of the municipal corporation.

 

"While participation in global forums is not new, we now require written reports to be submitted to the Civic and International Affairs Committee and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development. This is required even when trips including accommodation are funded by our international partners who extended the invitation," he revealed. 

 

He said the municipal corporation has also been holding regular meetings with residents and stakeholders in the Corporate Area to address their concerns.