Alliance for Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP), David Patterson, has accused the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government of dragging its foot when it comes to holding contractors accountable for delays in infrastructure projects. During an AFC press conference held today, Patterson alleged that the government’s leniency towards contractors is causing significant setbacks in the country’s development.
Patterson began his statement by criticizing the government’s approach to infrastructure development, alleging it is in the practice of awarding contracts to friends, family, and favored entities. He emphasized that this approach has led to a myriad of problems, including delays and substandard workmanship. “The excuse was that they were building capacity and new contractors had the financial capacity to execute projects. As always, time reveals all,” he remarked.
According to Patterson, four years after returning to office, the PPP government has failed to deliver on some of its promised infrastructural developments. Despite having access to unprecedented financial resources, many projects remain incomplete or were completed well past their deadlines, often with questionable quality. “Almost all of the programs awarded to this new breed of contractors are incomplete or completed way after the contract deadline and with questionable workmanship,” Patterson asserted.
He provided specific examples of delayed projects, citing the Bamia Primary School, which remains incomplete a year after its completion deadline despite multiple extensions. He also mentioned the North Ruimveldt and Christ Church Secondary Schools. Patterson was particularly critical of the Heroes Highway project, which, despite being completed, is already showing signs of wear and tear, necessitating urgent interventions.
When asked about the social and financial implications of these delays, Patterson argued that any contractor outside the circle of friends and family would have been fired immediately for such delays. “You cannot have a school, particularly in Bamia, where the school term is opening in September, and the school is unavailable to the residents two years after (announcement),” he said.
Patterson also highlighted the financial waste resulting from these delayed projects. He lamented that funds from the country’s oil resources, which should benefit the citizens, are being squandered on failed developmental programs. “Teachers want more money, public service workers want more money, and the police want additional funds. So when you are wasting money, and we’re talking billions of dollars, it’s obviously a great waste to the country,” he explained.
Furthermore, Patterson criticized the lack of feasibility studies and proper planning for major projects, such as the Cemetery Road project and the Demerara Harbour Bridge. He argued that the absence of thorough planning and design has led to significant errors and increased costs. “They just have the money, no programme, no plan, and award it, tying up billions of dollars which should have been circulating around the country for social services,” Patterson stated.
He also condemned the quality of work being delivered by contractors, accusing them of producing inferior results. Patterson blamed the government for not monitoring these projects adequately and for poor design choices. He pointed out that the Heroes Highway project, handled by the Ministry of Central Housing instead of the Ministry of Public Works, was a prime example of subpar planning and execution. “There is inferior work, contractors giving you slam dash work. There’s no monitoring by ministries. Poor designs,” he criticized.
