Mayor Delancy rejects Minister’s claims on Westmoreland shelter Aaccommodation Works
/ Our Today
administrator
Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar and Chairman of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, Councillor Danree Delancy, has pushed back against statements made by the Minister regarding preparation works for the accommodation of shelterees in Westmoreland, describing the remarks as both surprising and disappointing.
Mayor Delancy said the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation is only aware of responsibility for payments relating to one contractor, contrary to the Minister’s public statement referring to multiple contractors.
He further clarified that the Corporation was not a party to the execution of works carried out on the temporary accommodation facilities at the principals’ and teachers’ cottages. “The Minister and the Ministry are fully aware of the mitigating circumstances, outside the control of the Political Directorate at the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, which have resulted in the contractor not yet being paid,” Mayor Delancy said.
According to the Mayor, the office of the Mayor and the Chief Executive Officer have been in ongoing discussions with the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and members of the Ministry’s Technical Team regarding concerns surrounding the matter.
Mayor Delancy also noted that the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation signed the contract in good faith and in the interest of the shelterees, despite concerns about aspects of the agreement and the fact that the Corporation was brought into the process after work had already commenced at the site. “The Political Directorate of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation has done what is required to facilitate the contract and support efforts to ensure the shelterees are properly accommodated,” he added.
The Mayor maintained that the Corporation remains committed to constructive engagement and ensuring that the needs of affected residents are addressed responsibly and transparently.
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