Dear Editor,
The recent comments made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is one in which it is imperative to address the concerns raised by him regarding the construction and infrastructural boom in the country and simultaneously highlight the broader systemic issues that are affecting our citizens. The Vice President’s admission that the rollout of construction projects appears “ad hoc” and “disorganised” is a rear but candid acknowledgment of the lack of proper planning and coordination in the execution of these much needed developmental projects.
I do acknowledge that the government’s efforts to award contracts to locals from communities like Linden to improve infrastructure are indeed commendable. However, implementation has been fraught with inadequate supervision, inefficiencies, poor management, and execution are causing undue hardship for our residents. I’m sure this is the realities in other communities nationwide.
Due to poor planning, several main thoroughfare like the East Bank and communities around Guyana as the town of Linden, particularly in Amelia’s Ward, for example, where the simultaneous construction of multiple interconnected roads has created significant disruptions. Residents are left without alternative routes, severely impacting their ability to commute to work, their place of business, or to return home. This lack of foresight in project scheduling and execution reflects a failure to prioritize the needs of the people. The government must adopt a more strategic and considerate approach, ensuring that road construction is phased in a way that minimises disruption and provides alternative routes for residents.
Further, in Linden, the alleged government’s proposal to rely on a single supplier as the major supplier of concrete, which is factually unable to meet the demands of multiple contractors, is a glaring example of poor resource management. This bottleneck has further delayed the completion of several road projects, exacerbating the inconvenience faced by residents. The government must ensure a fair and efficient distribution of resources, engaging multiple suppliers to meet the demands of local contractors. This would expedite project completion and foster a more competitive and equitable environment for local businesses.
Additionally, the noteworthy observation and, quite frankly, the admission of the Vice President is tantamount to the total agreement of the views expressed by members of the opposition about the ad hoc nature of construction projects. This can also be extended to the very poor and disorganized program of the disbursement of the $100,000 cash grant to citizens.
The process has been and continues to be marred by long waiting times, a lack of proper organization, and confusion over the eligibility of some persons on and off the lists. Seniors and vulnerable citizens, in particular, have been subjected to unnecessary hardship, waiting in lines for hours under harsh weather conditions only to be told that their names are not on the list or that they must go to another location. This is unacceptable.
A more efficient and transparent system must be implemented, leveraging the experience of people knowledgeable in the management of large groupings of people, using technology to streamline the process and ensure that beneficiaries receive their grants in a timely, orderly, and dignified manner.
Equally important is that individuals in the regions charged with engaging recipients be courteous, respectful, and polite. We have seen some political actors claiming to want to help in the chaos they helped create, being disrespectful in a loud, crude, and animated way.
While most will likely accept the Vice President’s acknowledgment of these issues as a step in the right direction, it is not enough. The government must take concrete and deliberate steps to address these systemic failures.
It is our collective responsibility and duty as responsible citizens to hold the government accountable for these shortcomings and to advocate for the interests of the people. Vice President Jadgeo’s comments, while reflective of the reality on the ground, must be met with swift action to correct these unnecessary mishaps , not just words.
The opposition will continue to push for greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government operations. We will also propose alternative solutions to address these issues, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and their needs are met.
In conclusion, I posit that while the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and provide financial support to citizens are laudable, the execution has been deeply flawed. The ad hoc and disorganized approach to these initiatives is causing unnecessary hardship for the very people they are intended to benefit.
It is time for the government to adopt a more strategic, coordinated, and people-centered approach to governance. I, like most, stand ready to work collaboratively to achieve this goal, but we will not hesitate to call out inefficiencies and demand better for the people of this nation we are elected to serve.
Yours truly,
Hon. Jermaine Figueira, MP
