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Local Govt. Ministry mum about repayments made by former Grove/ Diamond NDC Overseer

Apr 02, 2012 News

 
While the Ministry of Local Government affirms that its responsibility to the 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across the country embraces the issue of transparency, it is yet to release information about the repayment arrangements by a former Overseer.
Despite requests made by this newspaper to have information made available as to the monies already repaid by former Grove/ Diamond Overseer, Balraj Budwah, the Ministry has continued to remain silent.
Reports are that financial discrepancies arose at the Grove/Diamond NDC, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and residents in the villages began pointing fingers at Budwah as they became more concerned about the management of the entity’s funds.
Investigations were launched into the matter and Budwah was sent on “Administrative leave” during this period.
Kaieteur News understands that shortly after this, Budwah tendered his resignation, though it was unclear if this was done before the investigation was completed.
In a letter penned to Minister within the Ministry of Local Government, Norman Whittaker, (then Minister of Local Government) on September 26, 2011, Budwah accepted the responsibility of repaying the large sums of monies that were discovered to be “missing”.
“With reference to the investigation carried out between the Minister of Local Government and the Local Government Department of the Regional Democratic Council, Region #4, Please be informed that I am in agreement with the facts presented in the report. I will refund the sum of Two million six hundred and fifteen thousand and twenty four dollars ($2, 615, 124) to the Council’s account on or before 26th October, 2011,” stated Budwah in his letter.
Kaieteur News was told that while many months have passed, Budwah has failed to stick to the above mentioned agreement.
Minister Whittaker had told this publication on March 16, 2012 that while he did not know about the details of the matter, he was aware that some payments were already made by Budwah.
However, he assured that his Ministry will continue to look over the relevant offices throughout the country to ensure transparency.
“The Ministry continues to guide and to provide oversight over the 10 Regional Democratic Councils, the 65 NDCs, six Municipalities and several Committee Development Councils (CDCs) across our country. This oversight responsibility embraces the issue of transparency,” Whittaker had said.
He also denied having knowledge of the former Overseer’s whereabouts.
To date many residents in the Grove/Diamond villages are still annoyed that the matter is being treated “so lightly”.

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