Government Responds to P.U.P.’s Assertions on Water Board Appointments

The Government has responded to the complaints made by the P.U.P. regarding the appointment of known U.D.P. supporters to water boards in villages across the country. The P.U.P. said earlier this week that the appointment of new board members is strictly political and the Minister of Rural Development has dismissed a proposal made by P.U.P. village councils. But a release from the government says that all one hundred and seven village water boards are being set up with consultation as required by the Village Council Act. The statement says “some area representatives, both government and opposition, have made suggestions of persons they wish to have appointed to the various water boards; there are also some villages for which recommendations have not been submitted.  The Ministry is reviewing the suggestions received, identifying persons for consideration, and consulting with the required officials as set out in the law.”  But according to the P.U.P., the Ministry is not consulting with the village councils but rather rejecting proposals and appointing known U.D.P. supporters. In response to the allegations made by Stann Creek West Area Representative, Rodwell Ferguson, the ministry says that Ferguson and some village council representatives sent a letter to the Ministry complaining about the proposed appointees and shared the complaints with the media even before the Ministry could respond in the spirit of consultation.