Lawmaker Ng Kuok Cheong has asked the government to explain the budget surge for the project of the office of the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM).
In his written inquiry to the government, Ng first pointed out that the expenditure of large-scale public works of the local government has been repeatedly and dramatically increased without explanation, and that this action has been criticized by the public.
In the government budget for investment and development expenditure for 2019, there is a big surge in the cost of the IAM laboratory project.
“The IAM office and lab at the new wholesale market increased largely, without a public explanation, from MOP72 million to MOP161 million for research, exploration, physical engineering and quality controls. The increase is 1.25 fold. What is the reason for the need to significantly increase the cost? Is there any serious waste?” Ng wrote in his inquiry.
“The responsible entity for the proposal and implementation of the project which substantially increased its initial budget has been transferred from the previous Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau to IAM. Can IAM fully explain the background of the substantial over- expenditure to the public? Can it be determined that the project of the lab in the wholesale market, IAM hygiene office and food safety center, can be completed under the existing budget in 2020?” Ng asked.
No budget disclosed for rebranding
The IAM refused to disclose a budget for the development of its new logo and the replacement of branded items with the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) logo. The Times asked how much the bureau’s budget was to rebrand and the expected time for the rebranding to be completed. However, no official statement was given. According to a spokesperson, the bureau is not able to provide the data as the bureau is only “making urgent changes to some important items.” The spokesperson added that the bureau has no current calculations available and that it is not in a hurry to replace its branded articles and items as most remain useable. LV
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