Rasbert Turner, Portmore Star writer

Shadow Minister with responsibility for Local Government, Colin Fagan, has expressed concerns that despite $10 million coming from his constituency's development fund, no work has started in Portmore.

Fagan told persons attending the Portmore community meeting and budget presentation recently that, for more than a month, the money has been at the council, yet no work has been done nor any documentation to suggest that any contract has gone out for tender.

"For six weeks now, the money is here and, although there is a piece of road in Garvey-meade that needs fixing urgently, nothing is forthcoming. We need the Portmore Municipal Council (PMC) to act," he said.

foot-dragging

He told the gathering that despite the announcement that each member of parliament would be given $40 million to work with the local authority and develop their constituency, it has to go through the parliamentary approval committee and this process was completed.

He said that after working tirelessly for the benefit of South East St Catherine, it was heart-rending to know that the Portmore Municipal Council seemed to be dragging its feet, and that the mayor needs to lead from the front and commence work.

However, responding to the claims, PMC's chief administrative officer, David Parks, said although the money is available, the council has to be working out plans on how best to move forward.

Fagan did not take likely to this. He told them that they needed to work together for the benefit of all.

The budget presentation was six months late into the financial year and the PMC is seeking $257 million for the 2008-09 financial period. It is an increase of $43 million on the $214 million for the 2007-08 period, which ended March 31 this year.