Shadow Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Ganesh Mahipaul, is accusing the government of not being committed to local democracy. Flaying what he sees as government’s deficit consultation on the Solid Waste Management Bill 2022, Mahipaul said this is clear indication the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is not committed to local democracy, bent on ensuring ministerial domination of solid waste management and to put resources in the hands of party’s elites, friends, families and favorites.
Mahipaul is accusing Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall of engaging in a charade rather than genuine consultation on the Solid Waste Management Bill 2022 that is to be tabled in the National Assembly.
He pointed out the government invited selected Local Government Organs and ignored those in Regions Four, Seven and Ten. The Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) declared the named regions in favour of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC).
Addressing the matter of his exclusion from participation and being deprived a draft copy of the document as shadow minister, Mahipual said having received a copy of the document from stakeholder, on his perusal he cannot support its current construct.
“It is most unfortunate and diabolical to say the least, that the PPP Government touts oneness and togetherness but fails to show the country and world actions towards ensuring a united Guyana.
“The Bill gives the Minister authority beyond policy guidance and usurps the authority of the Solid Waste Management Authority. It states that a person cannot be appointed as the Solid Waste Manager, Accountant or Secretary without the prior approval of the Minister. This is a deliberate act to push aside the established criteria of employment and professionalism under the Public Service Commission and give the Minister the power to appoint friends, families and favorites of the PPP. A breeding ground for corruption, nepotism and cronyism.”
Digging deeper into the Bill, Mahipaul said the second schedule provides a list of the agencies concerned with solid waste management namely, all Regional Democratic Councils, all municipalities, all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and many other agencies but yet in the composition of the Authority to manage the Authority as stated in the First Schedule, there is no member from any of the RDCs, Municipalities or NDCs. My other comments on the Bill will be reserved for the debates in the National Assembly.
Consequently he is calling on the minister to be more mature and do better at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development by holding a more transparent and inclusive consultation on the Solid Waste Management Bill 2022 where all stakeholders could have an input, resulting in a more comprehensive and acceptable Bill.
“This is a Bill that I am sure can enjoy the full support of the entire National Assembly but the Minister must first show an interest in a meaningful role for professionals and a willingness to be inclusive.”
