The minority caucus of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) says it is extremely concerned about the recent allegations of corruption at the city management entity, and strongly condemns any action that undermines good governance at the entity.

In a recent statement, the People’s National Party (PNP) cadre of councillors indicated that most recently, the courts have highlighted the ineptitude of some officers at the KSAMC regarding the manner in which they discharged their duties. 

“The Minority Caucus is concerned that most times, breaches of building codes are not brought to the attention of the Building Committee and it is only when citizens seek remedies from the courts that minority members become aware,” the group remarked.

According to the PNP councillors, people have lost faith in the current system. 

“It is our considered view that systems must be put in place to make citizens feel comfortable to lodge complaints with the Chief Executive Officer at the KSAMC”, said Councillor Andrew Swaby, chairman of the minority caucus at the KSAMC. 

He highlighted that there are several weaknesses in the operational framework of the KSAMC which do not allow for oversight of proper procedure. 

The opposition group contended that the absence of an audit committee chaired by the minority caucus is a “colossal weakness” in the current system.

In response, the PNP caucus is demanding the formal establishment of an audit committee to address the operational deficiencies at the KSAMC. 

Additionally, the minority caucus supports the call for additional officers to carry out consistent inspections at all stages of construction. 

“What is required is a system of sustained post-approval inspection throughout the construction phase of all development. That said, there must be a solid system of accountability in place, to ensure that there are appropriate sanctions to deter officers from being involved in corrupt practices, or negligent in discharging their duties,” said Councillor Swaby. 

The minority caucus also used the opportunity to make “abundantly clear” that its members “are not complicit in any kind of corrupt practices”. 

“We strongly repudiate all acts of corruption and support all sanctions against those who are culpable. The citizens of communities within the Kingston and St Andrew metropolitan region, government resources and the integrity of the city’s declining infrastructure are all at risk. We cannot allow this to continue. Jamaica deserves better, the citizens of Kingston and St Andrew deserve better,” the group argued further.