Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill has reiterated the Government’s policy of ensuring consultation with communities before infrastructural projects start, as well as during and after they have been completed.
Minister Edghill made that comment at a community stakeholder consultation with residents of those East Coast Demerara communities that will be impacted during phase two of the public road widening and improvement project from Annandale to Mahaica and the Embankment Road from Sheriff St. to Orange Nassau.
“The Government’s policy as it relates to consulting with citizens is this: we don’t believe in bullying, we don’t believe in just showing up and people don’t know what is going on. So we consult. Two, the regularity of our consultation is because of the pace and scope of what is taking place in Guyana. There were times when we did one project at a time, but right now in Guyana, simultaneously, there are several major projects that are happening at the same time,” the minister told the residents.
Following his remarks, the project consultant, engineering company Boston Consulting Incorporated, and manager of China Railway First Group (Guy.) Inc. also made presentations about the project for the benefit of the residents gathered.
The floor was then opened for questions and feedback from members of the community from neighbouring Haslington and Grove.
During this part of the consultation, Minister Edghill assured residents several times that they will not be displaced. He urged their cooperation as upon completion, not only their community, but all of Guyana will benefit.
The event was held at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute at Cove and John.