Water project travel claims to be settled by end of April - SDC

The Social Development Commission (SDC) says payments owed to officers for travel under the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation’s (MEGJC) Water Distribution Programme will be completed by the end of April.

“We reiterate our previous assurances to all affected officers: reimbursements will be completed within this timeframe, and officers will receive the full amounts owed," said Public Relations Manager Mandel McKulsky in a response on Wednesday, to Gleaner questions submitted a day earlier.

Several SDC staff have privately expressed frustration with the delay.

"These officers have, in good faith and with commendable dedication, carried out their duties across challenging terrains and under demanding conditions to ensure that much-needed water reached underserved communities across the island. Their work has been essential in mitigating the effects of drought and improving public health and well-being," noted one complaint.

It said their claims have remained unpaid despite repeated monthly submissions and follow-ups with the commission's leadership. "This is not only a breach of good labour practices, but also shows a troubling disregard for the sacrifices made by public servants in service of national development," the complaint said.

In its response, the agency explained that while it processed and paid monthly mileage claims for regular duties on time, the outstanding amounts in question relate solely to travel under the MEGJC-led initiative.

“These relate to travel undertaken by SDC officers in support of the agency’s observation and verification responsibilities under the MEGJC-led Water Distribution Programme,

He added, “As outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the SDC and MEGJC, reimbursement for these special project-related travel expenses is to be facilitated by the MEGJC."

He noted that this is contingent on the finalisation and sign-off of the MOU and supporting documentation. The SDC did not disclose the total amount outstanding, for how long, and the number of workers affected despite being asked.

However, the agency said that while the amended MOU was still being reviewed earlier this year, management started preparations in March to calculate the mileage claims, intending to advance payments to officers.

But at the same time, a government directive was issued mandating the retroactive payment of travel allowances for regular public sector duties, which the SDC said it had to prioritise before the end of the financial year on March 31.

“In compliance with this directive, the SDC prioritised processing those retroactive payments," McKulsky explained. "As a result, a decision was taken to process the water distribution programme mileage claims in the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, with payments scheduled for completion by the end of April 2025."

"This timeline remains on track," he said.

The SDC is an agency of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

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