As the House of Assembly was called into session on 20 February with a focus on question and answers, frustrations took center stage. 

Of interest were the frustrations of the Minister responsible for Communications & Works, as Representative for the 8th electoral District posed questions in relation to his plans to fix the water woes in the Territory. 

As the Minister rose to his feet to address the question, tension could be felt, frustration radiating in his firm response:

“I think you should pose that question to the Minister of Finance,” Rymer said. “You will continue to ask me and I’ll continue to say the same. I can’t repair it if I don’t have the funds and it’s unfortunate that we are here with these questions.”

The Minister noted he has a $20 million plan to fix the water woes in the Territory, but was given a mere $200k for repairs only. 

“It’s frustrating to them (Water & Sewerage Department), to me and to the residents. And unless we get that injection of proper capital, we’ll continue to be here — you’ll continue to ask and I’ll repeat the same thing. We want to get the pipes repaired but we don’t have the funds,” Rymer said candidly.” the Minister went on to say. 

The public continues to cry it for the basic human right to water. 

This was not the first time however that the Ministers of the sitting Government pointed to their frustrations of being unable to receive necessary funding to manage their varying portfolios. 

During House of Assembly sessions over the past months, all Ministers have pointed out their need for funding and the lateness in receiving funds to complete or start projects and initiatives. 

There seems to be no doubt in the public’s mind that their Government has a funding issue. What is not clear however, is whether the people’s Treasury is empty, or whether there is a prioritisation issue. 

The 2024 budget outlines nearly $3 million dollars for Government travels. In the last few months, nearly $3 million dollars has been paid out under the ‘Greedy Bill’ to former Members of the House of Assembly who were not returning after their loss at the polls. The HOA is right now reviewing their salary structure for an increase in salaries. 

With mounting frustration loudly and behind the scenes in relation to the leadership or lack thereof in the Premier, the questions now in focus:

• How long will it take for the sitting Government to realise and demand the need for a reshuffle in their leadership? 
• Who amongst them will break rank for the betterment of the people and the Territory?