Dear Editor,
Guyanese got excited immediately after the announcement of the oil discovery. Quite a few other discoveries after, the exciting news of the amount expected from each discovery. Since May 2015, after the first announcement of oil discovery in Guyana, some 8-odd years ago, the citizens of this country sit in hope, waiting for handouts as this government continues to squander our wealth using various schemes, while many continue to live below the breadline. One of the most effective methods being utilized is the construction of road projects. Like the Berbice Bridge, the Skeldon Sugar Factory, and the Timehri airport expansion project amongst others, no doubt the new harbour bridge is expected to be another milking cow, milking Guyana dry.
Editor, realizing the best means to squander money from its citizens, government orchestrates a scheme where they give out lucrative contracts under the guise of development. Throughout the country, they embark on massive road projects, telling the country that the village needs the road, and making a glorious presentation to the country using the media. Residents would wake up to discover that the glorious road presented to them is only a piece of garbage riddled with all sorts of faults.
They built these inferior roads from the inception, which fails to last a fair amount of time, yet they continue to provide the contractors with more contracts.
In Uitvlugt, one road ain’t last 4 months, a massive hole has already developed. Why waste money on failed projects? The last time I checked, everyone complaining about bills, cost of living, and low wages. Couldn’t the government take a break and help its citizens? There are many oil-rich countries, where citizens were forced to take action in their hands. Guyana should only hope we don’t evolve to that out of utter frustration.
Sincerely,
Sahadeo Bates