Former Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson says that the former Coalition administration should get the credit for every major transformational project – with the exception of the Amaila Falls Project – contained in Budget 2021. He made this statement during his contribution this morning during the budget debate at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
“The Linden/ Mabura Hill Road – that’s an APNU+AFC project; the Linden/Soesdyke Highway Upgrade – that’s an APNU+AFC designed and funded project. Sir, the East Coast Bypass, all the way up to the CJIA (Cheddi Jagan International Airport); road linkages in Region Three, what the PPP are now calling their super-highways; new bridge over the Demerara River, Sir, plus a new bridge at Monkey Jump linking Bartica; and several other projects. Mr Speaker, do these projects sound familiar? Of Course, they should! Every single major transformational project in the 2021 Budget – with the exception of the Amaila Falls project – was conceptualized, designed, and in most cases, funding was secured by the APNU+AFC government – every single one!”
Patterson told the House that while the government can deny it by “controlling the media”, it “cannot control the World Wide Web”. The MP said that these projects contained in Budget 2021, can be found in the Coalition’s 2017 to 2025 Infrastructure Development Plan, which was prepared in 2016 – less than a year after the APNU+AFC assumed office.
Patterson anticipated that the Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, who is scheduled to speak later in the debate, will make reference to a number of APNU+AFC projects that will be rolled out by the government.
“Solar farms in Mahdia, Leguan, Bartica and Lethem – what the PM will not say, is that these projects were designed, funding secured and procured by the APNU+AFC administration. Hydro power projects in Kumu and Moco-Moco – what he will not say, is that these projects were designed, and funding secured by the APNU+AFC administration. Kato Hydro project is schedule to be completed in this year – however the PM will not say is that this project was designed, funding secured and constructed by the APNU+AFC administration.
Mini-solar farms in Annai and other indigenous villages – what the PM will not say, is that these projects were designed, and funding secured by the APNU+AFC administration.”
