‘Zero dollars’ in 2017 Budget for civil works in First District- Hon Fahie
Speaking at the Cappoon’s Bay Recreational Ground where he delivered his Annual First District Report on January 28, 2017 Honourable Fahie said for the past two administrative life of the current National Democratic Party (NDP) government, he has been lobbying on the people’s behalf to execute many projects, including the completion of the drainage project for the area known as the “Bottom”/Cappoon’s Bay and little Apple Bay.
The NDP Administration was also lobbied for funds to be allocated to complete the development of the landfill area in Carrot Bay; for more street lights along our public roads in the District especially by the landfill area in Carrot Bay and the Belmont area; repairing of the Frenchman’s Cay Bridge; for water pipes to be installed in the areas of Belmont, Romney’s Park, Long Bay, Carrot Bay; the need for a steady supply of water in certain areas; addressing of the drainage problem along the road used to enter the Isabella Morris Primary School; completion of the sidewalk programme in the district; regular bush cutting of all the areas in the First District; and regular repairs to the public roads in the District so that the many huge pot holes in the roads especially those in Long Bay be addressed in a more timely manner; repairs to the Towers Dock, according to Hon Fahie.
No Money!
“All these and many more I continue to lobby for and on your behalf. I must admit that whenever I call or write to get these matters addressed, my concerns are received with great respect. However, the answer is usually the same; no money, no money, no money.
Further, Hon Fahie said in this year’s 2017 draft budget under the Ministry that is responsible for most of the projects mentioned, it was interesting to note that each district except the First and Third Districts was allocated one hundred thousand dollars per district for the year.
However, he said the Third District received an allocation of fifty thousand dollars for the year to address civil works in the district while the First District received a “dash” in the column where the funds being allocated are found.
“Just a small dash that translates to an allocation of zero dollars to be allocated to the First District. I pray that this apparent oversight is addressed in a meaningful way before the budget passes.”
Hon Fahie contended that he realised it is a subtle attempt to make him seem inefficient so that hopefully political mileage by others can be gained; they don’t understand that this will not work because the “Transformation Process” has already started.
“However, I will continue to champion your cause because these issues must be addressed in a meaningful way. I am not an unreasonable person. I fully understand that I cannot get everything that I want for the First District. But what I cannot understand is why we cannot get the things we need.”
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14 Responses to “‘Zero dollars’ in 2017 Budget for civil works in First District- Hon Fahie”
All issues in the D1 are important and needs to be addressed at some point. But the bridge that connects Frenchman Cay to Tortola's western end should be of utmost important. It is only way for motorists to get on and off the Cay. Residents of Frenchman Cay and residents in general needs to know if the bridge is 1)structurally deficient and unsafe or 2) functionally obsolete. If it is structurally deficient and unsafe, it needs to be closed to traffic and repaired. Yes, closing the bridge will take much logistics to move people to and from the Cay. But protecting the people must be the first priority.