Within local authorities, an allocation is controversial: the sum of Rs 80,000, allocated each week to town halls and district councils to organize different activities such as lunches for the elderly, parties or even cultural programs.
It is the Private Parliamentary Secretaries (PPS) who must make the proposal. This decision raises even more eyebrows because local authorities complain of a lack of funds to carry out certain projects.
Indeed, local authorities voted last week to allocate a sum of Rs 80,000 which will be spent on a weekly basis. This sum will be made available to local authorities for the organization of various activities in their respective regions.
These activities can be social, cultural and sporting in nature.
However, this decision comes as the general elections approach, and it is the PPS of each constituency who must make the proposal.
These government members must complete a form and submit it to the Council. In addition, a copy must be sent to the responsible minister for approval, namely Minister Anwar Husnoo.
Activities must be approved by the Welfare Committees and must follow all procurement procedures. After each activity, all reimbursement requests must be transmitted to the responsible minister for disbursement of funds. No activity must exceed Rs 80,000 per week, and if the cost exceeds this amount, the additional sum must be covered by the Council or town hall fund.
At the Western Council, we learn that a timetable has been finalized. Among the activities planned, there will be dinners and lunches for the elderly in Beaux-Songes and Cascavelle, as well as Mother's Day celebrations in Le Morne, Tamarin and Bambous. In addition, a cultural program is planned at Beaux-Songes.
In a statement to RadioPlus this Monday, April 29, Khemraz Ortoo, advisor to the Rivière-Noire district council, speaks of an “unacceptable” decision and wants more details on the reimbursement mechanism for the funds used.
