The Ministry of Finance is yet to locate the funds needed to replace the Belcan Bridge, although it remains in a state of disrepair. A study done on the bridge by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing found that the bridge needs urgent replacement. So, what is the hold up? Well, the Minister of Infrastructure Development, Julius Espat says it is now out of his hands. On Wednesday, he told us that he has no clue what the plan is.
Julius Espath
Julius Espat, Ministry of Infrastructure Development
“Again you are dealing with another ministry. I have no clue as to what is in their plans as it pertains to giving us the budget. We have done our job. Our job is to analyze the structures, to alert them as to the urgent need of replacing it. We have done the feasibility study. WE have done the design. We have secured the loan. It is up to the ministry of finance to make the final decision and I have no real input in that.”
Paul Lopez
“This can’t be news to you. I am sure you will get updates as times passes.”
Julius Espath
“That is gossip. I don’t deal with gossip. I deal with what decisions are made in the Cabinet.”
Paul Lopez
“So you are waiting for a response.”
Julius Espath
“From day one I have been waiting for a response. But it is not our decision. Remember we are service providers and if the allocation is given to us the work will start immediately if they believe that they have other priorities then I have to respect?”
Paul Lopez
“Who pushes and presses this as a priority given the current state of the bridge?”
Julius Espath
“I do, because I depend on the technical expertise given to me by our professional staff, by international lending institutions that also have seen the need. So we are doing our job. So if you fault me for that and want to call me emotional, or that I lobby too much or too passionate about it then that’s fine. But I do what is given for me and the Prime Minister has given me an opportunity to serve as the minister of infrastructure development and I do that to the best of my ability.”
