In the late afternoon hours of the debate, Oscar Requena, the Minister of Local Government made his contribution.
As viewers are aware, Requena became well-known in Parliament for pointing out the former Barrow Administration's neglect of rural areas of the country, especially the Toledo District. Well, in his remarks, spoke on a few of the initiatives where the national budget has funded upgrades for the remote villages and towns in the South. Here's an excerpt:
Hon. Oscar Requena - Minister of Local Government
"Under rural water supply and sanitation, what was approved in 2020/2021 was a measly $156,990, Madam Speaker. What was spent for the fiscal year 2021/2022, was $326,114. The budget estimate for this new fiscal year, 2022/2023 is 1 million dollars, Madam Speaker, a significant increase of over 206%, thanks to this government, Madam Speaker. We are working. We are delivering on Plan Belize. Under capital 2 expenditure, for 2021/2022, there were 1.4 million dollars. The budget estimate for 2022/2023 is 1.8 million dollars, which represents an increase of over 24.9%, Madam Speaker. Village roads, this is the one that gives the Member from Corozal North bellyache. But, Madam Speaker, again, what was approved 2021/2022 was 100 thousand dollars. The budget estimate for the fiscal year 2022/2023 is $500,000. This represents an increase of over 400%, Madam Speaker. We are delivering on Plan Belize."
