In fresh, decentralized approach that places Divisional Commissioners at the helm of steering rural developments, grants for upgrading of rural school boarding facilities, construction of nursing stations and health centres will be managed at the divisional level.
These upgrades are termed the Divisional Development Projects including the upgrading of rural roads:
Allocations in the 2011 National Budget for DDP in the different divisions are as follows:
1. Central Division - $1.98m
2. Western Division - $2.771m
3. Northern Division – $3.490m
4. Eastern Division - $2.012m
The developments include new Irish crossings, rural roads, health centres, electricity grid line extensions, nursing stations and dental clinics.
The DDP falls under Programme 2 of Rural Development Services within the Ministry of Provincial Development.
Announcing the 2011 National Budget Acting Finance Minister and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the focus of Government’s rural development program is to create economic opportunities for our rural people to contain the rural urban drift.
“Accordingly, Divisional Commissioners will now play a more prominent role in directing and coordinating development in the various divisions by working with Divisional Boards consisting of members of the public from the respective divisions,” he said.
“From 2011, the budgets of each Divisional Commissioner will be reflected separately under the Ministry of Provincial Development in order to better plan and implement their activities and programs.
“The tender process has also been rationalised to expedite and operate a transparent process so that implementation of capital works is realised with immediacy.
“From 2011, grants for the upgrading of rural school boarding facilities, construction of nursing stations and health centers will be managed by the Divisional Commissioners Office.”
Permanent Secretary Manasa Vaniqi said the new allocation has given divisional commissioners more responsibility.
“This goes in line with the concept of integrated rural development framework with commissioner’s playing a big role in steering and leading development programmes in a division,” he said.
“There is now a direct connection between the Commissioner, the Provincial Development Board, Provincial Councils and rural advisories.
“The long process is eliminated.”
He said because of the added responsibilities there will be greater coordination with other departments and ministries with the specialized skills in health and road construction.
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