Reforms currently being made to Local Government will not hamper the country’s preparations for the next Local Government Elections.
Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen gave this assurance as well as made it clear that no regional corporation workers will lose their jobs when the local boundaries are adjusted.
As the Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill, 20026 seeks to bring about fairness in representation and resource allocation, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen said the reforms taking place will not delay preparations for Local Government Elections.
Speaking on TTT’s Focus morning show, Minister Ameen said the Bill does not delay the electoral process.
Minister Ameen pointed to a critical clause in the Bill which she said preserves the union’s collective agreement, and in turn, protects regional corporation workers and their jobs.
The Minister also defended government’s proposal to elevate Chaguanas to city status. She said based on developmental indicators and data from experts, there has been significant growth in that area.
The Bill did not receive the Opposition’s support in the Lower House… and with the legislation going next before the Senate, Minister Ameen said the opposition is yet to show any solid objections to the Bill and have so far only engaged in political ramajay.