Dumas on URP: Govt not a free tree

"We would like the community to help monitor the activities where projects are," he told Newsday at a ceremony for the award of contracts for the URP special projects programme at Kent House yesterday.

"Work is assigned and persons are responsible to ensure work is done, and look at total performance," he said.

Dumas also warned the contractors about any illegal activities and also stated that if contractors overstepped the period of time mandated to complete a project, the contract will be aborted at their cost.

One hundred and fifty-eight contractors were awarded contracts for the special projects under the URP component of Local Government.

"Schedules need to be kept and lots of carrots are along the way followed by a big stick!" He told the packed room.

He said the ghost gang incidents have been reduced and steps are being taken to deter individuals from being paid without doing any work.

"Any incident of ghost gangs are minimised, and any groups who don’t appear on site -- steps will be taken to remove them!"

"The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is not a free tree, and we are putting out an opportunity to earn money," he continued.

He added that a rotation of labourers is in process, so many will benefit.

Dumas also said that Cabinet has looked at raising labourers salaries and meetings to that end have been held by the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Local Government.