(Guyana Times)Two years after approximately $12 million was collected for the construction of the One Mile Primary School, contributors are questioning where the money is, now that the Government has taken up the mantle. In 2012, the One Mile Primary School was among more than 10 buildings that were reduced to ashes in Linden when a protest over a proposed hike in electricity tariffs spiraled out of control, resulting in the death of three persons.
Under the stewardship of the Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Vanessa Kissoon, Lindeners near and far had vowed to rebuild the school, shortly after the month-long protest came to an end in August. But of recent, contributors have been asking where is the money. “We were told that over $12 million was collected from residents and other persons and organisations locally and overseas to rebuild the school, apart from contributions that people made of materials and now we are left to wonder what has become of our contributions, since the new building is being built by the Government,” Alex Cort, a concerned contributor said.
According to Cort, the Regional Chairman when approached explained that an audit is being conducted; however, one year after a report has not been forthcoming. When contacted by Guyana Times, Solomon said he is aware of the concerns currently being expressed by residents. He explained that a special committee headed by Councillor Maurice Butters was given the responsibility to oversee the spending of the monies collected. Butters when contacted by this newspaper on Friday indicated that the committee is now going through its record to determine the amount collected, spent and the remainder. He assured this newspaper that when the process is completed, a detailed report will be issued.
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Leader David Granger when questioned about the monies received, said the monies were collected by the region, explaining that it was done on behalf of the people and not APNU or the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). “No, the PNC never authorised the collection of any money; the PNC does not hold any money for the One Mile Primary and I cannot say how much was collected or where the monies went… I don’t know and I am not going to accept responsibility for that,” Granger said in response to a questioned posed by the Guyana Times.
The One Mile Primary School which was burnt down in August 2012, resulted in more than 800 students and teachers being displaced. They are now being accommodated at three other schools in Linden. The new state-of-the-art facility is being built to the tune of $170 million and is expected to be completed by February 2015.
