Housing Minister in eye of storm won’t resign

HOUSING  Minister Mario Etchelecu, who has made it clear that he has no plans to resign went to the Public Ministry on Monday Jan.18  to answer questions posed by the Attoney General Kenia Porcell about the investigation into contracts issued for the “Roofs of Hope” program.

The proceedings began at 8 a.m. and ended at 8:40 a.m.

The National Assistance Program (PAN) issued contracts valued at $15.3 million for the program. There are allegations that the contracts were intentionally issued for less than $300,000 to avoid legislative oversight and that they were issued to persons who held positions within the government, which would be a violation of existing regulations.

“I am available for any enquiry or request for information,” he said. “The important thing is to do things right and to demonstrate transparency.”