Professor Ally demands answers from Gov’t on spending for new Wismar Bridge- It’s “NOT adding up”

Professor Dr. Shamir Ally is questioning the figures being used by the Government for the construction of the new Wismar McKenzie Bridge. According to Ally, former First Alternate Governor (2016-2020) of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the government’s figures are not adding up.  “With respect, the PPP Minister and President’s statements are NOT adding up.”

He is contending that questions need to be answered by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government given future generations will have to repay the loans with interest.

In an earlier article, Ally, who was also the Guyana Ambassador to Kuwait, made known the “APNU-AFC requested US$12O Million for Soesdyke Linden Highway and PPP/C requested the increase to US$200 Million to include NEW Wismar Mackenzie Bridge, which means the Bridge will be US$80 Million.”  To the end, he posed two questions to the minister: 1) What is the extension period secured by PPPC from US$900 Million for 2018-2022; and 2) why the cost of the new Wismar Bridge will be US $80 Million (US$200M less US$120M).

Refer here to PowerPoint for more details on the Loan Agreement and Bridge Design: Power Point WISMAR NEW Bridge

Following up on the matter, Ally said in the interest of ensuring transparency, accountability and the practice of democracy,  the undermentioned should be noted: –

1. IsDB USD $120 Million for Soesdyke Linden Highway.
2. Minister Edghill said “IsDB to include NEW WISMAR Bridge for USD $200 Million”…..therefore, NEW Bridge for USD $80 Million ???
3. APNU-AFC feasibility study for NEW Wismar Bridge for USD $23.6 Million.
4. APNU-AFC, secured OFID, OPEC Fund for International Development USD $25: Million to build BRIDGE, in accordance with CSB design.
5. US$150M loan to be signed for new Wismar Bridge; 1,000 Young Professional houses for Linden – Pres. Ali – News Room Guyana.
6. Now US$150 million from Saudi Fund for Wismar bridge and professional housing ???????
7. Fishy ??? 3 Fs ??? Almighty’s HELP for Guyana, as under the PPP Government, the NEW WISMAR BRIDGE, is not adding UP.