By Mark DaCosta- In a striking revelation, oversight visits to educational projects in Region Nine have unearthed significant shortcomings in the government’s promise of improved infrastructure for hinterland communities. The recent inspections, conducted by Member of Parliament Sherod Duncan alongside his team, have raised alarming questions about the delivery and supervision of secondary school constructions, particularly the incomplete status of both Nappi Secondary School and the Tabatinga New Secondary School.
The Nappi Secondary School project, valued at G$215 million and intended to accommodate approximately 300 students, has reportedly fallen well short of its completion deadline. Initially framed as a key component of the Government’s 2024 education strategy, the construction has been marked by delays that bring into question the management of public funds. During the recent visit, Duncan highlighted that critical components such as laboratories are unfinished, and the teachers’ accommodation remains incomplete. He noted, “the project has extended beyond its originally stated delivery window,” prompting concerns about transparency and accountability from the government.
Similarly, the Tabatinga New Secondary School, with an allocation of G$182 million and contracted to QA Civil Works, has also faced significant setbacks. Despite the project commencing in October 2024 with an estimated timeline for completion of April 2026, current assessments indicate a lack of progress. Essential works including roofing and flooring remain incomplete, and with only a handful of workers noted on-site, Duncan, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentarian, expressed legitimate worries regarding project pacing and the overall viability of the proposed deadlines. “Where projects extend beyond publicly stated delivery windows or fall significantly behind expected progress benchmarks, transparent explanations and revised timelines are required in the public interest,” he stated, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in the education sector.
Such inefficiencies are more than mere inconveniences; they represent a significant breach of trust between the government and the citizens. Education is the cornerstone of our nation’s development, and the failure to deliver functional schools jeopardises the futures of our youth. Teachers and students alike are left in a perpetual state of uncertainty, impacting educational outcomes and opportunities in regions that are already underserved.
As the nation approaches Budget 2026, the call for rigorous parliamentary oversight grows louder. The expectation now is that Parliament must ensure not only that funds are allocated to these projects, but also that taxpayers receive value for their money. Duncan emphasised the need for follow-up engagements and formal inquiries in the National Assembly, reinforcing that the current state of affairs is untenable.
Observers have raised alarms about the broader implications of these delays, suggesting they may stem from a lack of effective governance rather than mere administrative hurdles. The continuing issues with educational infrastructure in hinterland regions, such as those revealed during these oversight visits, call into question the overall priorities of the ruling party, particularly their commitment to uplift these communities through educational development. The persistence of unfinished schools suggests a pattern of negligence that cannot be overlooked by the electorate.
With the demand for accountability intensifying, the government finds itself at a crossroads. Not only does it face scrutiny from opposition parties, but the public is also holding it to a higher standard as they grapple with the pressing realities of inadequate educational facilities. The implications of this oversight could be far-reaching, potentially influencing the political landscape as citizens demand assurances for the future of our children’s education.
The disheartening revelations concerning primary and secondary education in hinterland regions expose deeper systemic issues within public investment frameworks. As Guyana strives towards a brighter future, the resolution of these matters is crucial for a nation that cherishes the promise of education as a fundamental right for every child. Our nation deserves schools that are operational, fully equipped, and ready to provide quality education, not empty promises and incomplete buildings.
