TNN News has received information from multiple sources raising fresh concerns about the financial operations of several government departments, including allegations of unpaid utility bills, delayed payments to subcontractors, and budget constraints affecting summer maintenance schools projects.
According to information received by TNN News on Thursday, staff at the Department of Parks, based at the Botanical Gardens compound reportedly experienced a power outage affecting the facility. Sources have alleged that the interruption was the result of an unpaid electricity bill. Staff at the facility was sent home for the remainder of the day. TNN News has not independently verified that claim.
TNN News has also been informed that a number of subcontractors carrying out work for the Ministry of Public Works and Environment have allegedly gone unpaid for more than six months. Sources further claim that several contractors have indicated they will not accept additional government work until outstanding invoices have been settled.
Among those reportedly affected are subcontractors who perform work at the Government Quarry in Harrington Sound. According to sources, some have refused to undertake further projects until payments are made.
In addition, TNN News understands that the annual practice of subcontracting school painting projects during the summer break has reportedly been significantly reduced this year. Instead, government employees are said to be carrying out touch-up work at schools including Dellwood Middle School, Victor Scott Primary School, and Northlands Primary School. Sources attribute the change to budget reductions for summer maintenance projects.
The developments have prompted renewed questions about the government’s financial position and the management of public funds.
On Thursday afternoon, TNN News submitted a series of questions to the Minister of Finance,
•Premier David Burt, TNN News seeking confirmation of the reported power outage at the Botanical Gardens and whether it was linked to an unpaid electricity account.
•TNN News also requested confirmation as to whether government subcontractors across various departments are experiencing payment delays and refusing to undertake additional government work because of outstanding balances.
• Further questions asked to the Premier and finance Minister to characterize the current state of the government’s finances, provide an update on the status of the government’s reserve funds, and state whether there are any aspects of the government’s financial position that have not yet been communicated publicly.
As of publication, no response had been received.
TNN News has also been informed that meetings have reportedly taken place following the submission of its inquiries, with sources alleging that senior management officials and members of the Government were extremely unhappy that information from within government departments had become public.
TNN News stresses that these allegations remain unconfirmed and will continue to seek official responses from the Minister of Finance and the Ministry of Public Works and Environment.
We remain committed to reporting fairly, accurately, and in the public interest as this story develops.
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