Dear Editor,
Several critical projects under the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development have been delayed for months, with some even stretching into years, yet a shocking misrepresentation of the situation was presented during the infamous 5:30am meeting held by President Irfaan Ali at State House. In a statement to the nation, President Ali claimed that only one project under this ministry was delayed by four months or more. This claim, however, is not only inaccurate but misleading, and it raises serious concerns about the competence of Minister Sonia Parag and her management of these projects.
Let us review the facts: Mon Repos and Skeldon Markets: These projects have been budgeted for since 2020, but neither has been completed to date. Despite funds being allocated and plans announced, they remain unfinished, with no clear explanation for the prolonged delays.
Parika and Charity Markets: In the 2021 Budget, allocations were made for the construction of these markets. Yet, three years later, they still sit incomplete—reflecting further inefficiency and a lack of accountability.
Landfill Upgrades (2022): Several projects aimed at upgrading existing disposal landfill sites were included in the 2022 budget. To date, many of these projects remain unfinished, including the design and construction of critical landfill gas management systems and stormwater ponds at Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill. The continued delay of these projects is concerning, especially given their environmental importance.
Port Mourant Secondary School: This project, which falls under the ministry’s remit, is another example of a critical initiative that has been delayed for years. The residents and students in this region are being directly impacted by these delays.
These are just a few examples of the many delayed projects across the country. It is clear that the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, under the leadership of Minister Sonia Parag, has failed to deliver on its commitments, and the situation is even worse than President Ali was led to believe. It appears that both Minister Sonia Parag and Minister Anand Persaud misled the President during the meeting at State House, providing false or incomplete information about the status of these projects. The idea that only one project was delayed by four months or more is categorically untrue. The question now is: What actions will President Irfaan Ali take to hold his ministers accountable?
During the meeting, President Ali asserted that he would take firm action should it be confirmed that more than one project was delayed by four months or longer. Now, with clear evidence of multiple delayed projects, the nation is waiting to see whether the President will follow through on his promise to hold his ministers accountable, or if this is just another case of political bluffing. The people of Guyana deserve better than this. They deserve a government that delivers on its promises and holds its ministers accountable for their failures. President Ali must take immediate action to ensure that these projects are completed on time and that those responsible for the delays are held to account. The time for excuses is over. Let’s see if President Ali is genuinely committed to reform, or if this was all just a political talking point. We await his response.
Sincerely,
Ganesh Mahipaul, M.P.
Shadow Minister of Local Government and
Regional Development
