The Tribune

By DANA SMITH dsmith@tribunemedia.net THE government's survey for businesses adversely affected by the ongoing road work has been greeted "very warmly", according to Ministry of Finance officials. Starting Wednesday, the government went door-to-door asking businesses on roads where major work has been done to detail any losses incurred as a result of the construction. The survey will be used to work out the details of a comprehensive repayment scheme, the ministry said. Deputy director of investments Viana Gardner said: "I can tell you in general terms, from the reports that I heard, that it's going quite well, actually. Most of the enumerators have been met very warmly by business owners on both Market Street and Baillou Hill. "As far as I understand, the questionnaires have been distributed to the businesses on those streets. "Persons are asking questions and the information that we have available, I know that's been given to them." Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced the initiative on Tuesday. Speaking to FNM supporters, he said the government will compile information, including the businesses' expenses, revenue, profits, and accounts receivable and payable during the period 2007 to 2011. "Businesses that are in operation as well as any that may have closed temporarily as a result of the roadwork will be included in the survey. "The results of the survey will help us determine how best we might lend economic or financial assistance to those business establishments adversely impacted by the works," Mr Ingraham said. The survey is expected to last two weeks. The business owners then have one week to complete the surveys, and gather supporting documents, before the ministry collects them. In the weeks to follow, Mr Ingraham said, the information will be analysed and decisions will be made on the assistance to be given in each case.