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The evidence is undisputed, as it’s overwhelming, infrastructure projects are instruments utilised by disreputable Governments, to perpetuate corruption. However, infrastructure projects, albeit a source of potential corruption, can also be an important catalyst of economic and social development. In fact, the importance of these projects, is underscored by their historically significant budgetary allocations. Having said that, infrastructure projects with large amounts of monies, and complex system, is highly vulnerable to corruption, under a corrupt political regime. And this is no more evident, than under this corrupt People’s Progressive Party (PPP), that exploits infrastructure projects, as an avenue to corruption.
However, to better understand infrastructure corruption, in the context of PPP, it’s imperative that we revisit the disputed 2020 election. For in this contentious election, it’s unquestionable, PPP was heavily bankrolled by the business community, in an incestuous quid pro quo arrangement. Thus, of this arrangement, the business community ensured, PPP was elevated to political power, albeit installed in this case. And of the reciprocal arrangement, PPP was obligated to govern in the interest of the business community, through the creation of infrastructure projects. But the reality is, we are an underpaid and impoverished nation, therefore the priority should’ve been, investing in the Public Sector, vis-à-vis Public Servant’s remuneration, rather than infrastructure projects.
However, with PPP hands irreversibly tied by the business community, on account of their election arrangement, they were obligated to make disproportionate budgetary allocations for infrastructure projects. Such that, stemming from this arrangement, the business community receives multi-billion-dollar infrastructure contracts, whilst PPP receives incalculable millions in kickbacks. Which means, as a result of this fraudulent arrangement, those who are being enriched, deny monies to the critical Public Sector. As a result, the Education Sector is denied critical funding, evident with teachers being remunerated pittance, even as our children’s academic performances have declined to abysmal levels.
Further, the Health Sector, another sector afflicted by corruption, has been registering catastrophic healthcare, at the very moment healthcare professionals were being paid peanuts. Furthermore, the Law Enforcement Agency severely underfunded, accounts for spiralling crimes, since law enforcement officers are paid chickenfeed. And the overall consequence of this incestuous arrangement is, the rich are enriched with corrupt billions, whilst the masses, inclusive of Public Servants, struggle in a cost-of-living crisis, of less than US$5.50 a day.
But the reality is, as an oil economy, Public Servants should be the recipients of a liveable wage. A liveable wage, which can provide, at a minimum, three square meals a day. A liveable wage, that would afford them the ability to pay their utilities, without the need for remittance. A liveable wage, where they can aspire to homeownership, like their Caribbean compatriots. But PPP careless about a liveable wage for Public Servants, since such a scheme, wouldn’t provide an avenue for grand corruption, even as it would be a contravention of the incestuous arrangement with the business community. Which means, as they engage in their grand corruption infrastructure schemes, enriching their friends, families, favourites and flunkies, we the masses, will have to endure extreme poverty.
Mark’s Take
The fact is, corruption in the Infrastructure Sector, not only affects the economy, but can also have a far-reaching impact on the environment. Therefore, it’s for this reason, governments the world-over, considering both economic and environmental impact, mitigate such corruption risk. Which means, PPP prioritising infrastructure projects, should’ve been undertaking such risk assessments, to ensure that these projects aren’t blighted by the plague of corruption. But the unfortunate reality is, under this corrupt PPP, all our guardrails against corruption, have been demolished or arrogantly disregarded. Therefore, imperative it must be, we the last bastions standing against corruption, are compelled to tackle PPP corruption whenever it raises its ugly head.
For the price of corruption is self-evident, with teachers taking industrial actions, demanding better remuneration and working conditions. In fact, the Public Sector as a whole, is one whereby Public Servants are being remunerated slave wages. Where the pervasive underpayment of Public Servants, has its causation in the widespread corruption, in this PPP regime. As a matter of fact, highlighted in the aforementioned, under this disreputable PPP, there is no mitigation against corruption risk. As a result, also as highlighted in the aforementioned, there is rampant corruption, camouflage as infrastructure projects. Thus, the consequence is, teachers are on the streets, striking for a liveable wage, even as other Public Servants contemplate similar industrial action. And it’s for this reason, a national strike, of all Public Servants is inevitable, since PPP refuses to acknowledge, or rather disregards the economic plight of the impoverished masses.