Minority leader calls for probe into water distribution in St. Ann

   

Questions are being raised about the St. Ann Municipal Corporation's water distribution programme.

 

Some councillors allege that several divisions are being favoured over others.

 

PNP Minority Leader in the Corporation, Ian Bell, says things began to unfold in February when water was being trucked to several divisions. 

 

"We were advised that during the election break, 97 loads of water was truck to the Brown's Town division in the month of February. We were also advised that 47 loads of water were trucked in the month of March, plus additional loads were also trucked by the St. Ann Municipal Corporation truck." 

 

Mr. Bell said some divisions have benefitted twice in one month, while others are yet to receive water. 

 

He wants the municipal corporation to address the issue, as records are indicating that water was trucked to some locations, despite reports to the contrary. 

 

"Where did the money come from? How was this contractor selected? Is it true that 18 loads of water out of that 140-odd went to the Brown's Town market alone, because we have meetings with the officers of Brown's Town who came there and told the meeting that only two loads come. Yet the council is saying 18 loads went to the Brown's Town market. The councillors that share both Brown's Town and Dry Harbour divisions are not aware of the trucking of these water," he insisted. 

 

According to a statement from the corporation, due to an administrative error, some communities were listed under other divisions.

 

It says the audit department will be asked to verify the information for presentation at the public health and sanitisation meeting.

 

The minority leader is still calling for the Integrity Commission and the Auditor General to conduct a probe of the matter.