$740M approved for “urgent” drainage works 

The Parliamentary Committee of Supply on Monday approved $740 million in supplementary funding requested by the government for urgent drainage works needed in five regions. 

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha provided a breakdown of the requested sum, stating that each region has various “urgent” needs including the rehabilitation of drainage canals and sluice doors. 

“A number of these doors have become vulnerable because the repairs were not done during the time they were supposed to be done,” he explained. 

Of the $740 million, $260 million was for drainage works needed in Region Three, #115 million for works in Region Four, $153 million for Region Five, $121 for Region Six and  $89 million for Region Seven. 

Overall, the government is seeking parliamentary approval for another $47 billion in supplementary funding to offset the costs it incurred by agreeing to absorb the increase in electricity rates and other much-needed works such as the completion of roads and bridges.

Members of the National Assembly are considering this request on Monday.