Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Khurshid Sattaur on Wednesday said that the organisation will shortly occupy the portion of the Lamaha Street railway embankment controversially constructed for it by Chinese company Baishanlin.
The lot has been designated for parking by GRA staff and members of the public and has attracted controversy for several reasons. Observers point out that persons using this parking lot would have walk more than two blocks to get to the GRA Head Office. Further, the manner in which Baishanlin was retained to build the lot raised questions. The GRA said that Baishanlin volunteered to do the parking lot and that a fee would then be charged to the GRA for its use. Critics have said this is highly improper given that the GRA has to preside over the tax commitments of the Chinese company. The critics say the tax collecting body should not be accepting works done like this on its behalf but should put such projects out to tender.
A GRA statement on Wednesday said that development of the area was delayed due to inclement weather and what it said was