Planning, Works ministries in budget talks

The ministries of Planning and Development and Works and Transport held talks on Wednesday about the upcoming 2020/2021 budget.

A statement issued by the Planning and Development Ministry said it is the lead ministry for the Public Sector Investment Programme.

On Wednesday, Planning and Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis started a series of meetings with other ministries related to the PSIP.

The first meeting, at the Eric Williams Financial Complex in Port of Spain, involved Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan and minister in that ministry Foster Cummings. The meeting focused on projects under the Works and Transport Ministry which tie into the PSIP.

Among the projects discussed were the continuation of upgrades to major highways and roads through the Works and Transport Ministry's PURE Programme; the east-west interchanges and walkovers; continuing work on the Curepe interchange; and the coastal protection programme.

Sinanan identified Matelot and the North Coast Road as examples of areas needing attention.

There were also discussions about enhancing the PTSC transport system and upgrading airports and sea ports.

In addition to the necessary infrastructural work which the Works and Transport Ministry does, Robinson-Regis stressed the need to work together to find ways to encourage and advise small contractors, so they may be certified and equipped to bid for projects within the Works and Transport Ministry's mandate.

She said this would provide opportunities for small and medium businesses while improving infrastructure.