Dear Editor,
The recent domino-like collapse of concrete poles supporting power cables along Aubrey Barker Street in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, serves as a vivid metaphor for broader infrastructural challenges facing Guyana. This incident highlights not just the vulnerability of our local infrastructure but also raises questions about the quality of materials, construction practices, and oversight in national projects.
The striking imagery of the toppled poles mirrors the discipline and precision of the famed Chinese Terracotta Army—except in this case, the alignment is involuntary and chaotic, born of failure rather than intention. While the Terracotta soldiers have withstood millennia as a testament to ancient engineering and strategic foresight, our infrastructure seems unable to withstand even moderate stress, be it from environmental factors or human oversight.
This raises a larger issue: the need for comprehensive planning, strict quality control, and accountability in all projects across Guyana. As our nation embarks on ambitious development fueled by newfound oil wealth, we must ensure that rapid progress does not come at the expense of quality or sustainability. Whether it is roads, bridges, schools, or power lines, Guyana must hold itself to the highest standards.
The domino effect witnessed on Aubrey Barker Street should serve as a wake-up call, reminding us that weak foundations—both literally and metaphorically—can undermine even the grandest of visions.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard
