Progress – but at what price?

Feb 19, 2011 Letters

---

Dear Editor,
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and this could not be more true as evident by the ones on the front page of Kaieteur News, February 16, comparing a simple structure that cost the taxpayers $29.5 million, to that of another building that cost a private citizen a mere $5 million to construct.
In a previous letter, I had suggested that PPP/C should be used as acronym for “Poorly Planning Projects Constantly”, and cited some government projects that were regarded to be ‘White Elephants’. These include:
The Diamond Market Tarmac
The stelling at Good Hope/Supenaam
The Blood Bank in the compound of the New Amsterdam Public Hospital
The Versailles Health Clinic and
The Community Youth Centre at Kuru Kururu, on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. Other poorly planned projects include, but not limited to, numerous poorly constructed roads and bridges that had to be repaired over budget at taxpayers’ expense.
Unfortunately, this trend has been the hallmark of a stubborn administration who continues to play fast and loose with public funds. As politicians struggle to score points, especially in an election year, opponents of the PPP/C will be quick to denounce any project that is done, even those that are necessary for development. But because of the habitual overpricing of projects done by contractors, the Jagdeo Administration continues to shoot themselves in the foot, giving critics, myself included, reasons to doubt the government’s ‘good intentions’, thinking perhaps that the lack of proper planning and consultation may be linked to a more sinister scheme such as greed and corruption.
And the usual secrecy surrounding most things that government does is not exactly helping to alleviate suspicions either. I would hope that this style of governance is exclusively Jagdeo’s, and would not continue with a new PPP/C administration, as there is a dire need for transparency and accountable, regardless of who wins the next election.
When a contract is awarded, and the finished product fails to justify the cost as is clearly evident by the primitively designed and inferior-looking $29.5 million multi-purpose centre in Cummings Lodge, someone in the Administration must be held responsible and be accountably for (a) awarding inflated contracts, and (b) failing to properly supervise the construction of the project to ensure taxpayers get value for money?
This multi-purpose facility is reminiscent of those built during the 1960’s and 70’s, and was clearly built without any proper planning. Even the lighting fixtures on the outside are inadequate for the purpose this building is to be used for. I would hope that the $29.5 million also include the preparation of the field area and fencing of the perimeters, but I’m not holding my breadth for this to happen. Architects in Guyana should be commissioned to produce the Construction Design and Bill of Quantities for every construction project undertaken by government before tender, for this would totally eliminating any guess work in determining the materials to be used, and the final construction cost of the project. If this is done, contractors will not be in a position to overcharge, and costly mistakes usually done by substituting materials would be avoided.
I can understand the great rush to impress the electorate in an election year, and the need for President Jagdeo to build his legacy. But I must remind the planners of an old Guyanese saying that Dem Boys know well: ‘Wa rain kan full, dew kan full’. The PPP/C had over 18 years to do what they’re now trying to rush through in the final years of Bharrat Jagdeo’s last term in office, and some have had disastrous results. The jury is still out on the road being built by Makeshwar ‘Fip‘ Motilall, and the durability of the Berbice River Bridge. Now there’re even talks about completing a Deep Water Seaport in Berbice by yearend. The Jagdeo Administration needs to slow down and plan these projects properly. Too many years have been wasted, and now the Guyanese taxpayers are paying a heavy price, while Jagdeo plays ‘catchup’ to build his legacy. Yes there is progress, but at what price?
Incompetence that adversely affect the lives of so many, cannot be tolerated; and those responsible for misusing public funds must be dealt with decisively.
If the Technical Research Officer at the Office of the President (OP), Marcel Joseph was investigated and subsequently fired for being a suspect in the leaking of information to the press on the infamous ‘One Laptop Per Family‘ project, why are those in positions of authority not fired for misusing taxpayers’ money? After all, this is not speculation… It is a crime.
And while on the subject of the OP, why is Kwame McCoy, an alleged child molester still holds the confidence of the President of Guyana in a very sensitive position in the OP? Is it possible that he knows too much and cannot be disposed of at this time? Or could it be that he has friends in high places? Perhaps a reporter may wish to ask this of the President at the next Presidential press briefing.
Harry Gill

---

---