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By Nakinskie Robinson
Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson has raised concern over the government's SPARK Programme.
Mr. Robinson raised the concern after Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke tabled the $1.3 billion Estimates of Expenditure for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, ending next March.
According to Mr. Robinson, Members of Parliament are yet to receive word about how to proceed, in light of the upcoming March 31 deadline given by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in January.
"There has been no communication to us as Members of Parliament about the process, the consultative process, what we need to do, particularly given that we have an event on the 26th and then we move into the budgetary exercise immediately after. So I can't go out and have a consultation in my constituency without guidelines," he complained.
Dr. Clarke, who attempted to provide some clarification on the matter, said it would be further addressed by the Prime Minister.
"The only reason why I think the reason for the policy is because it's a large amount of expenditure going into this category relative to the past, it's important that there is some democratic legitimacy at the constituency level to how it's allocated. But you need more details. I understand that," said the minister.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness gave MPs the March 31 deadline to complete consultations in their constituencies on roads to be prioritised for repairs.
The repairs are to be carried out under the $40 billion SPARK programme.
Mr. Holness said following the community consultations, all recommendations for road repairs should be submitted to the National Works Agency to ensure seamless execution of the three-year programme.
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