Some NDCs failed to utilise the $30M allocation – Manickchand

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand on Wednesday expressed disappointment with the spending performance of several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), noting that despite receiving $30 million last year, the first such allocation since their formation, many were unable to utilise the funds amid persistent issues with disbursement.

She noted that when the money remains unused, residents are deprived of services that the Government, the Ministry, and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic intend for them to receive.

Manickchand said her intention was to meet all 70 neighbourhood democratic councils by the end of December, but this was not achieved as several officials were unavailable during the Christmas period. She expressed confidence, however, that engagements with all councils would be completed shortly.

The Minister noted that while she has been a familiar public figure for more than two decades, it was important to redefine the working relationship going forward and to hear directly from councillors. She explained that she deliberately chose not to meet only with chairs and vice-chairs, citing concerns raised by councillors who felt excluded from decision-making.

“Since you have been formed, last year was the first year you got 30 million dollars to spend. And I can see that we used to talk when we were small about disaccustomcy. I don’t know if you all know that word up here. Disaccustomcy was heavy, so much so that many of you couldn’t spend it, if you haven’t spent your money. That, for me, is grossly disappointing.”

She acknowledged that internal disagreements or uncertainty over programme implementation may have contributed to the failure to utilise the funds but stressed that such issues must be addressed. Manickchand made it clear that the money cannot remain unspent and that corrective action would be taken to resolve the challenges faced by the councils.

“Because the money, if spent, means your community is getting service. If you don’t spend it, it means services your community could have gotten – that President Ali, the Ministry, me, and the party want your community to have – they didn’t get. They didn’t get it. Because I know you’re all fighting amongst one another, or you don’t know how to put on this programme. I’m not sure what it is. Whatever it is, we’ll trash that out today. But you can’t send that money.”