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By Mark DaCosta- In a recent statement, the Alliance for Change (AFC) has sharply criticised Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, for his comments on the state of sanitary facilities at Phillipai Primary School. The AFC’s response highlights ongoing concerns over pit latrines, a longstanding issue that they argue reflects poorly on the current government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure problems.
A pit latrine is a simple type of toilet that consists of a deep hole in the ground. It is often used in rural or less developed areas where more advanced sanitation systems are not available. In Guyana, particularly in interior and remote communities, pit latrines remain prevalent due to a lack of infrastructure development. Despite significant advances and increased revenue from the country’s oil sector, these basic sanitation facilities continue to be a common sight in many areas.
The AFC has taken issue with recent remarks by Attorney General Nandlall, who attempted to place the blame for the ongoing use of pit latrines on the previous APNU/AFC coalition government. According to the AFC, these remarks are not only misleading but also indicative of a broader strategy by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to deflect blame from their own failures.
The AFC asserts that the issue of pit latrines is part of a systemic problem that has persisted for decades, including throughout the PPP/C’s lengthy periods in power. The party’s statement emphasised that despite the PPP/C’s four years in office and substantial oil revenues, there has been insufficient progress in eliminating these basic sanitation facilities.
From 2015 to 2020, the AFC was part of the coalition government, and while resources were limited, efforts were made to address infrastructural deficiencies in remote regions. However, the current administration has enjoyed an influx of oil revenue that should, theoretically, have been sufficient to tackle such issues decisively. Instead, the AFC argues, the PPP/C has been more focused on political manoeuvring than on addressing the fundamental needs of Guyanese citizens in underserved areas.
With Guyana now benefiting from considerable oil revenues, the AFC questions why such issues remain unresolved. The PPP/C’s failure to eradicate pit latrines is viewed as symptomatic of a deeper neglect and an unwillingness to make substantial investments in improving living conditions for all Guyanese.
The statement from the AFC also underscored the point that the PPP/C has held power for 27 of the past 32 years, during which time they have had ample opportunity to address these infrastructural challenges. The ongoing reliance on pit latrines, according to the AFC, reflects a systemic failure to commit to genuine development and to utilise available resources effectively.
As the country continues to experience economic growth due to oil production, the AFC stresses that the focus should be on ensuring that this wealth translates into tangible improvements in infrastructure and living conditions across all communities. The presence of pit latrines in 2024 is portrayed as unacceptable and indicative of broader systemic failures within the current administration.
The AFC remains committed to advocating for the allocation of resources to resolve this issue urgently. They argue that the Guyanese people deserve a government that is not only capable of managing economic resources but also dedicated to addressing basic needs and improving quality of life. According to the AFC, a government that engages in blame-shifting rather than tackling pressing issues is failing in its fundamental duties.
The AFC’s critique of the PPP/C highlights ongoing frustrations with the current administration’s handling of infrastructure issues, particularly in relation to sanitation. As Guyana continues to reap the benefits of its oil wealth, the pressure is on the government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to using these resources to improve conditions for all Guyanese, particularly those in neglected and underserved regions.
