News
Holness assumes temporary control of JDIP
Following an emergency meeting of Cabinet Friday night, Henry told Wong he could not continue in the job.
“To pave the way for improved governance arrangements and management safeguards at the National Works Agency, the minister of transport and works has requested, received, and accepted the resignation of the chief executive officer of the National Works Agency with immediate effect,” the release said. “An interim head will be named shortly.”
Misconceptions
At the press conference, Wong said “there have been some misconceptions” about the way JDIP was being implemented.
“But we are in the process of executing the largest programme, the most transparent programme in terms of information to the public … the quality of the work (is) second to none; I will take my licks where that is concerned,” Wong responded when asked what circumstances would cause him to resign.
Among the breaches identified by the audit report is the use of US$1.2 million or approximately J$102 million by the NWA to refurbish its corporate offices without the required approval of the National Contracts Commission.
Wong said US$2.5 million of the US$400 million for JDIP was set aside for institutional strengthening of the NWA.
“The refurbishing was required because of the nature of the programme. We were given approval to hire 58 additional members of staff, the entire roof of the building was leaking, so computers, files and everything was in jeopardy,” Wong said.
He added: “We had to upgrade the lab facilities to accommodate such a large programme. There were many issues.”
The NWA now boasts remade bathrooms, artwork on some walls, new air-conditioning units, a patio, new floor and wall tiles, and remade conference rooms.
Wong could not be reached for comment up to press time yesterday.
