Nothing unusual about committee to oversee highway project

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Works Minister Jack Warner at the sod turning for the Point Fortin highway in January 2011

There is nothing unusual about the interministerial committee set up to ensure proper oversight and accountability of the highway from Golconda to Point Fortin.

That's the view of Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma, one of the members of the committee. 

"In fact, it's quite normal. And I must say I am surprised that this has become an issue," the minister told the Express newspaper.

The $7.2 billion project was launched in January and is now coming on stream. The line minister for the project, Jack Warner, recently handed over the first cheque of $1.5 billion for the highway works to the National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCO), which is overseeing the construction. 

Warner has no problem with the committee. He told the media he welcomes it.

Sharma also dismissed suggestions that the cabinet established the committee to diminish Warner's responsibilities, saying "It's foolish to think so and Warner would not want to suggest that.

Sharma added, "This project extends through several constituencies, so it's a large project…and you always need a think tank, especially when you are dealing with $7.2 billion of the taxpayers' money."