The two major political parties have welcomed reports that the Office of the Contractor general, will be looking into claims of government funding for road works in the North West St. Andrew constituency, ahead of the March 5 by-election.
Reports emerged today, that Contractor General Dirk Harrison indicated that while no official complaint has been filed with his office, the matter is still of concern.
This after a People’s National Party (PNP) Councillor in the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation, raised the matter at the recent monthly meeting, claiming that about $21 m from the Equalization fund was being used to repair at least three roadways in the constituency.
PNP General Secretary Julian Robinson says the party is concerned about what seems to be a common practice of the governing Jamaica Labour Party, to carry-out road repair works, in areas where an election is to be held.
Meantime, JLP General Secretary, Dr. Horace Chang, says funding for road repair works in the North West St. Andrew constituency, was approved months before, but the start of works was hampered by the recent heavy rains.
He says the OCG’s probe into the matter, will affirm government’s integrity.
In the meantime, the country’s two main political parties say campaigning for the upcoming by-election in the St. Andrew North West constituency, and the Norman Gardens division are going well.
On March 5, electors will go to the polls to choose between the JLP’s Dr. Nigel Clarke and the PNP’s Keisha Hayle, as the new member of parliament for St. Andrew North West.
While the Norman Gardens division, will be contested by the PNP’s Jacqueline Lewis, and the JLP’s Headley Wilson.
General Secretary of the People’s National Party, Julian Robinson says both candidates have been on the ground, meeting with residents.
And, General Secretary of the Jamaica Labour Party, Dr. Horace Chang, says while the party is confident of victory in the St. Andrew North West constituency, it’s not taking this for granted.
He says Dr. Clarke has been well received by residents.
He adds that Mr. Wilson, being a son of the Norman Gardens community, stands a good chance.