Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Annette Ferguson has raised concerns of financial impropriety regarding the construction of a multi-billion dollar government facility and these were yesterday challenged by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill.
The Ministry of Public Works yesterday issued a release stating that Edghill has rejected the claims made by MP Ferguson regarding the $15.8 billion government office complex being constructed at Houston, Heroes Highway, approximately one km from the new Eccles/Haags Bosch junction, also known as the Jaguar roundabout.
The claims allege that funds are being siphoned off from the project to help finance the construction of a nearby hotel.
Edghill emphasised that this project has been transparently discussed and described it as a “crucial” initiative aimed at modernising government infrastructure and consolidating services for all Guyanese.
“The assertion that public funds are being diverted … is not only absurd, but raises serious questions about the integrity of the Opposition.”
In his statement, the minister provided an update on the project, confirming that as of September 2024, it was 6% complete. He further listed the progress made so far. A) All legal work and preliminary processes 99% complete; b) geotechnical investigation stage one fully completed; c) land clearing for 20 acres fully completed; d) site offices fully mobilised; e) actual site location confirmed by the Ministry of Public Works; f) sand filling for both temporary and permanent works on 13 acres fully completed; g) conceptual design fully completed; h) geotechnical investigation stage two fully completed; and i) detailed design fully completed.
Further, the works completed so far include extensive offsite preparations, such as steel fabrication, which are an essential component for the timely construction of the facility. Edghill acknowledged the current lack of visible activity on-site, but stressed that that does not indicate a slowdown, as much of the work is currently offsite, with steel being fabricated in factories before being assembled on the location. This, the minister noted, is a reflection of the meticulous planning required for a project of this scale.
According to the release, when the contract was signed, a total of $2.6 billion was paid as the mobilisation advance and all other payments will be, or are made, based on measured deliverables. As he assured that everything will be done to ensure that the project remains on track for completion by August 23, 2026, Edghill called for an end to the “recklessness” of the opposition’s rhetoric.
“Our primary objective is to deliver this vital project for the people of Guyana. We welcome constructive dialogue, but misinformation will not derail our commitment to progress,” he asserted.
The project is expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and parking challenges for citizens seeking access to government services. Strategically located in Eccles, the complex features three entry points accessible from major roadways, including the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Ogle/East Bank bypass, and Heroes Highway, the release added.
