Not enough money to repair various gov’t buildings

The government’s failure to upkeep buildings across the territory caused unease during the recent sitting of the Standing Finance Committee, where calls for repairs were met repeatedly with the phrase ‘when funding becomes available’.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe had a tough time providing some district representatives with answers as to how repairs to certain government-owned buildings mainly in the Second and Ninth Districts were to be funded.

Stoutt-Igwe noted that $100,000 had been allocated for renovations to government buildings this year.

She added that, as the financial year progresses, she would ‘see how far the funds could be stretched’.

After listening to the response about buildings that are in a state of disrepair, Territorial representative Archibald Christian noted that all he has been hearing was to the effect that: “These items would be addressed when funding becomes available.”

Christian enquired if, in relation to the administration building on Anegada, estimates had been prepared for “the replacement of the air condition unit, mild mold, bat infestation, downstairs windows, electrical works, etcetera”.

It was also revealed that police officers had to be relocated from the said administration building on Anegada due to the need for improvement.

Stoutt-Igwe stated that, in relation to the said building, the Public Works Department, three years ago, ascertained that the project would have cost approximately $200,000.

She added that no estimate has been done since then, and it was not clear if funds would be available this year for the said building on Anegada.

Stoutt-Igwe, in the meantime, said there is need for repairs to the building that a former Director of Public Prosecutions once occupied on Tortola.

It was revealed that there also is no funding allocated for repairs that should have been completed last year at the police/customs building on Jost Van Dyke.