The Finance Ministry says the issue surrounding unpaid contractors hired by the National Works Agency (NWA) is due to administrative matters, rather than a lack of funding.

The Ministry’s Financial Secretary Darlene Morrison made the declaration when questioned about the issue during today’s sitting of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC).

In recent weeks, the Opposition has been lobbying for the contractors to be urgently paid, as it noted that complaints about non-payment have been reportedly ongoing for several years.

The matter was again brought to the fore today by PAAC Chair, Mikael Phillips and PAAC member Fitz Jackson, who demanded answers regarding how much is owed by the NWA.

In response, the Financial Secretary explained that each agency indicates a budget, which is funded by the Ministry.

As a result, Ms. Morrison said the issue is administrative.