By Mark DaCosta- The handling of the Gas-to-Energy project by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration has unveiled a troubling narrative of mismanagement and unfulfilled promises, asserting that the ambitious energy initiative has turned into yet another cautionary tale for our nation. The People’s National Congress Reform/A Partnership National Unity (PNCR/APNU) has stressed that what was initially heralded as a solution to electricity woes has instead morphed into a burden marked by escalating costs and unforeseen delays.
Initially projected at US$900-910 million, the Gas-to-Energy project has ballooned to an estimated US$2 billion, accompanied by a timeline that has now pushed completion well into late 2026 — two years behind its original deadline. The PNCR/APNU highlights that the government’s acknowledgment of these delays further underscores a lack of preparedness and a troubling trend in infrastructure management. Public statements have repeatedly shifted as new challenges, such as arbitration disputes and cost overruns, have materialised into consistent reminders of inadequate planning and oversight.
Despite the optimistic rhetoric surrounding this project, many citizens still endure the daily frustration of enduring blackouts, exacerbated by an electricity distribution system that remains marred by inefficiencies. The Gas-to-Energy initiative was marketed to the population as the solution for high electricity costs and unreliable supply. However, as the PNCR/APNU observes, the reality has starkly contradicted these promises. Reports from the end of 2025 linked the stalled rollout of the project with persistent power outages, showcasing the government’s failure to address comprehensive infrastructure needs and reinforcing a lack of transparency regarding the project’s progress.
The PNCR/APNU firmly asserts that sustained blackouts are indicative of a broader systemic crisis. “A government that truly had the power crisis under control would not be governing in this atmosphere of recurring uncertainty and public distrust,” the opposition party emphasised.
The PNCR/APNU is particularly critical of the narrative that the Gas-to-Energy project alone could resolve the electricity supply issues without recognising foundational constraints within the national grid. The government has seemingly obscured the fact that while the Gas-to-Energy initiative was promoted as a definitive fix, the underlying transmission and distribution systems have not been adequately upgraded to support its implementation. As highlighted in the opposition’s statements, “The ships have sailed,” suggesting that opportunities to address these critical needs have been neglected.
Further complicating the situation, the opposition alleges that the government is too quick to centralise power, leading to an environment where accountability diminishes. “Whether it is City Hall, electricity, roads, drainage or major capital works, the PPP Government has developed a habit of centralising power, overselling results, and then blaming others when delivery falters,” the PNCR/APNU stated.
What resides at the heart of this ongoing challenge is not merely a failed infrastructure project, but a pattern of governance where citizens are cautious about reported improvements. The PNCR/APNU urges the government to deliver comprehensive disclosures on the total financial implications of the Gas-to-Energy venture, including outstanding liabilities and genuine timelines for improvement. “Guyanese deserve infrastructure that is competently planned, honestly presented, and properly delivered, not one failure after another.”
Citizens across our nation are left grappling with the consequences of decisions made at the highest levels of power. The rhetoric of progress touted by the government stands in stark contrast to the lived experiences of everyday citizens who continue to face the disruption of unreliable electrical service and increasing costs. The PNCR/APNU’s strong call for transparency and accountability reflects a broader desire for a government that prioritises the needs and welfare of its people over misguided ambitions and unfulfilled promises.
Indeed, the ramifications of the Gas-to-Energy project extend far beyond mere financial figures or delayed timelines. They touch the core of governance and public trust — an essential component of our democracy. As the opposition party outlines, the current predicament serves as a strong reminder to all Guyanese that the quest for a reliable energy future must not allow for the continued neglect of accountability and sound governance.
