Councillors get money for indigent housing, education and funerals
MINISTER of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie says that his ministry will be making $400 million available this year to councillors to meet the social needs of their constituents.
“These funds will be dedicated to the elected local representatives to carry out meaningful changes at the divisional level,” McKenzie told the House of Representatives yesterday, as he made his contribution to the sectoral debate.
He said that money will be available for indigent and social housing assistance, education and funeral support.
Some $115 million will be devoted to a special fund to assist councillors respond decisively to the needs of victims of fires, and other disasters in their division.
He said that funds would also be available for the elected local government representatives to establish an official office within their division.
He stated that they would also each receive a tablet to enhance the execution of their duties across the country.
McKenzie said that all councillors will have access to $500,000 per annum to assist constituents with housing grants; a total of $90 million will be made available to care for people in infirmaries and for indigent housing; and $1.7 million to each local authority to assist with funeral grants.
It also includes funding for homes to take care of homeless, based on the number of these residents.
McKenzie also confirmed that the benefits would be managed by the poor relief departments of the municipal corporations to ensure verification and compliance.
“This is a new day in local government,” said McKenzie, a former mayor, recalling that his 39 years in local government taught him about the challenges that face councillors and administrators at that level.
“In meetings with them since my appointment as minister, I have heard the cries across the political divide for something new and lasting to happen in local government,” he said.
“It’s happening now. The councillors are seeing the change. The staff of the local authorities are seeing the change,” he added.
