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The chairman of the city’s finance committee is asking for a hearing to investigate accusations that the public works department is wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on unnecessary streets and transportation projects.

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The charges were made by an independent researcher and published Saturday in the first part of a series of articles in the Winnipeg Free Press.

“The initial claims by researcher Christian Sweryda and published in the Winnipeg Free Press are of great concern,” the chairman of the finance council said. Scott Gillingham (St. James) in a statement released Sunday. “We have to make sure that we get the maximum result every time we spend taxpayers’ money.

According to Free press history, Sweryda performed an in-depth analysis of 513 or approximately 75% of the city’s 681 traffic light intersections, including everything north of the Canadian National Railway mainline. The research shows a systematic pattern of inefficient and wasteful works, including infrastructure rebuilds with no apparent justification, traffic control devices systematically replaced before the end of their life and traffic light poles repeatedly changed and moved marginal distances.

Gillingham acknowledged that the adviser. Matt Allard, chairman of the public works committee, sought an explanation from the city’s public works administration and brought the matter to the attention of the city auditor. But Gillingham said the allegations should be carefully considered and answered in a public forum to understand the financial impact ahead of a new construction season. He stated that the Finance Committee is the appropriate body to lead the hearing process.

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“Transparency is very important in light of allegations of waste and haphazard decision-making,” he said. “Taxpayers deserve the best form of accountability we can offer. »

Gillingham said the researcher – who has been studying Winnipeg’s traffic problems for more than a decade – should be given the opportunity to present and explain his findings to city council and ratepayers. Gillingham added that public works officials must also be given the opportunity in a public forum to explain decisions and respond to criticism. In his statement, he invited all Councilors to submit to the Finance Committee any questions they would like to see asked at the meeting.

“Providing the citizens of Winnipeg and our many visitors with the vital infrastructure needed to move smoothly through our city is a top priority. When infrastructure spending issues are raised, addressing these issues should also be a top priority.

Gillingham will present its public hearing proposal to council and administration in the coming week.