APNU Member of Parliament Saiku Andrews is calling for explanations over the delay in road construction works along the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Andrews said the APNU Coalition supports development, but projects must be completed to international standards, in line with global best practices, and within established timelines.
He said the prolonged road works, along with increased dust pollution, are causing discomfort for citizens. Andrews said citizens have complained to local councillors and Members of Parliament, stressing that the situation highlights what he described as a lack of proper planning in infrastructure development.
He added that travel along the East Coast and East Bank corridors is being significantly delayed daily, and that the dust is a nuisance to travellers and residents near the works, while also posing potential health risks. Andrews said some segments of the road construction are started and then left for long periods, while other areas remain under way.
Andrews argued that contractors are being allowed to operate without sufficient concern for citizens, and he called for contracts to include Health and Safety Protocols. He also challenged the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, to establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and adequate project management protocols for infrastructure projects.
He criticized what he described as inadequate administrative processes, saying the country does not need repeated “early morning buse-out” actions by the President as an operating procedure. Andrews also claimed that in some instances, the President was provided with a list of delinquent contractors even though, according to him, some of those contractors had not been given commencement letters.
Andrews further said the length of road segments under construction should be considered within SOPs, explaining that lengthy sections undergoing rehabilitation are contributing to delays. He cited examples where bridges have reportedly been destroyed and replaced with planks for extended periods, and where erosion or flooding has affected some citizens’ private property. He specifically referenced Bachelors Adventure, where the Ogle to Mahica Road is being constructed.
Andrews said the government is not holding contractors accountable and is not working in what he described as the interest of the people, urging a change in approach. He concluded by stating that, as the fastest growing economy per capita, Guyana cannot settle for rushed development.
