By Sue-Ann Wayow
CHAIRMAN of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Anil Juteram wants an investigation into the acquisition of land that will be acquired for the construction of a highway.
Juteram called on the Anti-Crime Unit, Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Fraud Squad to launch the investigation which he said was “one of the biggest white-collar crimes” in the country.
He was speaking at the United National Congress (UNC) Monday night forum that was held in Sangre Grande.
Juteram alleged, “There is a highway to be constructed from Cumuto to Manzanilla. The first phase was built… $500 million, it stopped in the Valencia forest. The second phase would be built but hear what is happening, friends and families and financiers (of the PNM) have positioned themselves.
“They bought spots, they built buildings and warehouses, waiting for acquisition from the State fully well knowing that the State is going to fund them, there is a ring and there is a cartel and this has to be investigated.”
The Ministry of Works and Transport is the acquiring authority, for the land acquisition for the extension of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway to Manzanilla. The National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO) has been given the responsibility to assist in the land acquisition process. ACQ & Associates is a specialist land acquisition consultant engaged by NIDCO for this purpose, NIDCO stated on its website.
