Dear Editor,

Any visitor to the park section of my community will see a large billboard with the following information:

“Government of Guyana

“With a grant from the Caribbean Development Bank

“AND

“Canadian International Development Agency Basic Needs Trust Fund

“Grant # ………………………………….    GA15/GUY

“Executing Agency……………………    Ministry of Finance

“Sub-Project…………………………….    Kwakwani Water Supply

“Consultant………………………………    Francois & Associates

“Contractor………………………………    S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Contracting Services

“Estimated cost…………………………G$23,393,000.00

“MAKING THE PRSP REAL”

There are also the flag of Guyana and logos of CDB, CIDA, BNTF and National Development Plan.

Editor, this billboard was erected approximately six years ago after the installation of a completely new network of water pipes in the Kwakwani community. The project arose because of what was discussed at a community consultation for the formulation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

As a participant in the consultation from the community level through to the national level, and one who attends the regional review sessions whenever they are held, I am very disappointed that my community is not reaping the benefit of this multi-million dollar project and to see sections of the main line being damaged – an indication of taxpayers’ money being wasted.

The speedy execution of this project six years ago was possible because it was acknowledged that the Kwakwani waster distribution lines were old and corroded. Yet although the new network was speedily laid, it has not been commissioned, and the community still depends on the old, corroded pipelines for the delivery of water.

Isn’t six years a long enough time for a community to wait on a project of this nature? I would be happy to hear from anyone who doesn’t think so.

Your faithfully,
Jocelyn Morian