00:00Local government minister Khadija Amin is describing the proposed changes to the municipal corporation system as a significant step in
00:08the evolution of local government.
00:11Our communities have grown, population centers have shifted, and commercial and residential development has expanded.
00:20So it is not simply about changing lines on a map, it is about bringing government closer to people.
00:26But the legislation has faced criticism over whether there was sufficient consultation before it reached parliament.
00:33Amin rejected that criticism.
00:36There was extensive consultation with stakeholders.
00:41There were written submissions, Mr. Speaker, were invited by the committee.
00:46The deadline was extended on three occasions to accommodate mayors and chairmen of the corporations controlled by the people's national
00:57movement.
00:58Not one of them submitted.
01:01She says the opposition was given an opportunity to make its position known, but that opportunity was not taken.
01:08They told us that they were waiting for a directive from the leadership of the PNL.
01:13Which one? Which one?
01:14They said that they had to meet with their political leader to put together their views before they send their
01:23recommendations in writing.
01:25One of the proposed changes would create three new borrowers.
01:29Amin says the move is also intended to address disparities in the size of populations represented by individual councillors.
01:37Counselors in Point 14 represent 2,500 persons on average.
01:43Counselors in Kuva, Tabakit and Tunapuna, Piako represent 10,000 and 11,000 people on average.
01:51Some is more, some is less.
01:53And they all get the same pay.
01:54Another contentious provision deals with councillors who cross the political flow.
02:00Under the proposed legislation, such a move could trigger a by-election.
02:04Amin says the issue is not simply about a councillor changing political allegiance,
02:10but about the potential impact on the composition of a council.
02:14You cannot take the people's vote with a white jacket and change to a black jacket after you attain office
02:23or show up in a UNC Christmas dinner and expect no action to be taken from you.
02:28She also expressed confidence that the changes will not affect the upcoming local government election.
02:35We are months away from an election.
02:40I have no doubt that the EBC will be proactive as this bill is in the public domain.
02:49When this bill is debated, Mr. Speaker, it is not unusual for staffing, financing and other resources
03:00to be increased to the election and boundaries in a time of heightened activities.
03:04The Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill will now continue its passage through Parliament
03:10with the proposed reforms expected to remain a point of contention between government and opposition.
03:17Arvashi Tawari, Rupnarein, TV6 News.
