With several major projects on the cards in the proposed 2025 Budget, the government came under intense criticism from opposition member and former Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson as he lamented the incomplete state of these pieces of infrastructure.
During his presentation in the House on Wednesday, Patterson said that while he acknowledges that roads have been built, despite under questionable standards, and works given to contractors, many projects are still languishing – even the major ones.
“Yes, they’ve done roads. Yes, you’ve given contractors contracts. Great job. But let us take you to the mega projects. We have a different story, which clearly demonstrates that the country is not getting value for money. These are the promises made and they have not been delivered, but they’re coming for more money,” Patterson said.
He pointed to the government office complex that began in 2022 and was listed for a two-year duration. “Seven billion dollars was allocated and it was supposed to be finished in 2024, sir. It’s still incomplete. The new Demerara Harbor Bridge was awarded in 2022. Two years of construction, still incomplete. The East Bank and East Coast Road Linkage: they launched it in 2022, awarded it for a two-year completion, but it’s still incomplete,” Patterson said,
He continued, “The railway embankment from Sheriff to Orange Nassau—still incomplete. East Coast Road from Belfield to Orange Nassau—still incomplete. The Corentyne Highway from Palmyra—still incomplete. The Linden Road—four years and counting—is still incomplete.”
Patterson went on to include several other projects, including the Thomas Lands Road in Georgetown and the Grove to Timehri Road, along with several airstrips.
Taking the foregoing into consideration, Patterson mocked, “This ministry should be renamed to the Ministry of Incomplete Project.”