#Providenciales, May 11, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Eleven new undertakings to
the tune of $9.78 million were announced during Budget Debate by the now former
Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, Hon Goldray Ewing.
Minister Ewing, who on May
8 took over the Home Affairs ministerial portfolio told the Speaker of the
House of Assembly that the new $309 million budget of the PDM Administration
included funding for a Central Storage for Government Departments; $3 million
in repairs to the NJS Francis Building in Grand Turk which is home to the House
of Assembly and Office of the Premier; Phase Five of road development which
includes monies for boat ramps; reconstruction of the Regatta Village and the
wharf in South Caicos at a combined cost of $650,000; repairs to the Salt Shed in Salt Cay and works
at the Treasury building.
There is money allotted to
an Environmental Impact Assessment for drainage infrastructure in Blue Hills
and three vehicles will be replaced and new equipment will be purchased for the
Public Works Department, according to Ewing’s report.
There is also $1 million
earmarked for the consultancy on the construction on the anticipated Government
Office Complex in Providenciales.
“As Minister of
Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, one of my foremost aims was to make
viable decisions that would inevitably lead to better economic prospects for
the people in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Mr. Speaker, one of the best ways
to accomplish this, is through urban revitalization, which in turn leads to
economic revitalization, which has been what both my Government and I have
strived to achieve through the last budget cycle.”
In addition to physical
work, there will be a focus on modernizing policies and enforcing current regulations.
“Mr. Speaker, In this
financial year, PWD is hoping to achieve the following initiatives;
The successful
creation of a Public Works Ordinance, as well as finalizing the approved
Maintenance Ordinance. Going forward measures are being instituted to ensure
that the TCIG vehicle policy document, will be enforced. PWD will also review
and update all their current operational manuals for the various divisions,
which will improve on the delivery of projects, maintenance of assets and
ultimate support to all other reliant Ministries and Departments.”
The Minister explained
that security enhancement at government offices is a significant priority for
the PWD team. Perimeter lighting is
coming for public buildings with special attention being given to the
government-run schools around the country.
“Work has begun on both the draft Estate Policy/Strategy, as
well as the Draft Security and Health Policy to better protect TCIG properties
and enhance the working environment, improving their safety for staff and
visitors alike. Burglar alarms have been installed in a number of Government
Departments and plans are underway to continue the installation of burglar
systems in the rest of TCIG Departments in this Financial Year.”
While
spending this fiscal year on capital projects is around $5 million less at the
Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning; the Minister explained that
is chiefly due to the progresses made in works at his ministry and the
continuation of efforts to reconstruction, refurbish and repair in the
aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Hon
Goldray Ewing moves over to the Ministry of Home Affairs following a cabinet
shuffle by Premier Sharlene Robinson; he had these departing words for his team
in his final ministerial presentation from the Infrastructure, Housing and
Planning desk: “To my Team, I say a special thank you for all your hard work and
dedication, none of this would be possible without you. Committed to the vision
without excuse!”
The historic budget was passed on
May 3, 2019.
The new Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning is Hon Sean Astwood, the TCI’s Deputy Premier.
#magneticmedianews
#10millioninpublicprojects
#morepublicprojectscoming