The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government is denying claims by the Siparia Regional Corporation that they have been starved for funding and therefore unable to carry out their services.

The Ministry says of the $14,940,000 allocated to the Corporation for the current financial year, $9,137,158.00 has already been disbursed with the last release of close to $1,679,000 being provided on July 27th.

It said requests for balance of funds were only made in the past few weeks.

“Since then RDLG has since submitted correspondence to the Ministry of Finance for the balance of $3,287,308.00 to be released for payment to SRC,” the Ministry said.

It noted that Minister Al-Rawi convened meetings with every corporation to ascertain shortfalls and arrears, adding that “much of the data requested of the corporations had to be tediously sought out by the Ministry to ensure delivery and accuracy.”

“Quite regrettably specific corporations have been directed to not attend critical events that redound to the benefit of all corporations. However, the RDLG is pleased that the one on one working relations with all corporations are bearing fruit,” it said.