“First
of all, I would like to get in writing from the HDC the criteria
that are used in selecting locations for housing developments in
the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” Mark stated.
“The other area I would like some information on: what are
the tendering processes involved in awarding contracts at the NHA
or the HDC or the Ministry of Housing?
“Could you give us an updated status report on the Port of
Spain East Development Project?
“Could you make available a copy of the Port of Spain East
Development Plan?
“What are the issues involving the residents and business
organisations as it relates to compensation?
“Could you tell us whether there is a deadline -- I saw a
word, I refuse to entertain it -- bulldozing?”
Mark continued with his questions unabated: “… Could
we get a list of all your contractors and what projects they are
working on?
“… I would like to get an update on the Ramgoolie Trace
Development Project.
“I would also like to know, with respect to the Ramgoolie
Trace Development Project, could you give us a status report?
“Could someone who has had no experience in housing development
secure a contract?
“The reason I raise this, Madam Chairman, is that I am convinced
that the taxpayers of this country may have lost tens of million
of dollars.
“I do not know why the police was not called in, in the case
of Winchester Industries.
“I feel very strongly about some $22 million being paid to
a company called Winchester Industries to establish a housing project
at Ramgoolie Trace.
“They mamaguy the people of this country.
“They ran away with $22 million.
“At the end of the day, I would like Mr. (Noel) Garcia (managing
director of HDC) to share with us what we got in return for it and
whether, for instance, we were cheated.
“You cannot have people being awarded a contract; they fooled
the people that they could do the job; handed them a contract; they
said the contract was for $90 million; they did not put out a cent,
they asked the HDC for money in advance.
“The HDC gave them money and they left.
“All I am asking, Madam Chair -- it is not for Mr. Garcia
to tell us today -- I have the evidence before me.
“I do not want to burden you with the evidence now.
“I would like Mr. Garcia and the Permanent Secretary in the
Ministry of Housing to bring us up-to-date with whether they are
of the view that we got value for our money.
“I do not like people to siphon our money and I do not like
people to pilfer from the Treasury.
“If that is so, what action does the HDC and the Ministry
of Housing intend to pursue to get justice for the people of Trinidad
and Tobago?”
The HDC operations were a hot topic, it seemed, because the Joint
Select Committee Chair responded with a question of her own: “…
We have been approached by several groups and perhaps we can entertain
this question as well.
“The committee would like to get a list of names of persons
who have allocated houses under each of the NHA, now HDC projects,
from 1990 to 2005.
“You are required to provide the geographic locations of these
projects.
“You do not have to give that now, but we would like you to
consider that question as well.”
Anmolsingh-Mahabir closed the meeting by asking Garcia, the HDC’s
managing director, to define what “any resident citizens of
Trinidad and Tobago” means.
But it was Margaret Chow, HDC Change Manager, who explained the
criteria for the State Agency’s application for housing.
“What it means is that you cannot be a citizen of Trinidad
and Tobago but residing elsewhere and be eligible.
“You cannot be residing in Canada and decide you want a house
here.” |
