Scores of Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) workers yesterday protested the lack of projects being given to contractors and employment in the Barataria/San Juan community.
They said they have not been given any community projects in eight months while gangs have decreased. They protested outside the URP head office on El Socorro, San Juan.
In an interview outside the office, Selwyn Collins, an activist and registered contractors, said they have been “sidelined.”
He said some 4,000 residents could be affected by lack of employment and they wanted a collaboration between MP for San Juan/Barataria Fuad Khan and Local Government Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan.
“They all have the criteria to be considered and are legible to tender for projects. We have 4,000 people registered in the constituency and we have only 25 crews,” he said.
Collins said that number amounted to only 200 who were employed each fortnight.
“We would like Mr Rambachan to liaise with our MP (Khan) and make uniformed decisions on the community.
“The URP provides social intervention to many people and some of it has been bad and some good as well. The information suggests that the process of tendering is flawed,” he said.
When contacted, Khan said he spoke with some of the workers.
“I have not seen that anywhere (giving contracts to people outside). He (Rambachan) assured me that some were given to them. The workers visited me and they expressed displeasure and he (Rambachan) is equitable in what he has done,” Khan said.
What the minister said
Rambachan said the programme was only for temporary employment.
He added: “There are thousands of jobs in factories. These people don’t want to go and get the jobs that are available. That’s why the private sector is complaining.
“You must have a request from the MP and community. There is nothing to stop projects taking place. We are willing to give them projects but it must add some value to the community.”
Rambachan also said the workers made a little over minimum wage and worked four hours a day but were never at work.
“When we go and check them on the jobs they are not there and most are not on the job in these areas. They can’t keep throwing away taxpayers dollars,” he added.