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Detailed investigations to be done on major projects
…before decision taken on way forward – Pres. Granger
The new administration will have to carry out thorough investigations into several major projects,
President David Granger
which were undertaken by the previous administration, before a decision is made about their continuation, according to President David Granger.
According to a Government statement, quoting the President during a recent interview, the immediate projects include the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion, the Amaila Falls Hydropower and the Fibre Optic Cable.
Regarding the Amaila Falls hydro, President Granger said while in Opposition he was not privy to some of the information about the project.
“We have never been given a project document by the previous government; it was never brought before the National Assembly, so we could not consider the entire project… power generation, power distribution… we were only exposed to some aspects.”
President Granger explained that some of the information which was shared with the then Opposition, contains some aspects which were discussed with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and includes the raising of the debt ceiling.
Reiterating that his knowledge of the project was very fragmentary, the President said currently there is no definitive position on the way forward for this project.
“It seems unlikely now that we will proceed with the project as was described, we are still interested in hydro electrical power generation, but whether it will remain at that site will be another matter.”
He explained that Guyana has about 100 other sites from which hydro electricity could be generated, but in going forward, it must be determined which one is the best for such a project.
CJIA expansion: President David Granger has made it clear that detailed reviews are being carried out on major projects before decisions are taken on the way forward.
”Whether that site that was selected is the best site, it may not be, but we want to get information before we make a final determination.”
The project was halted in 2013 after the Opposition-controlled National Assembly refused to pass key legislation needed for financing to be released.
Almost US$900M was to be spent on the project, which would have made it the most expensive in the country’s history. The then Opposition had expressed concerns about aspects of the project, including the cost. It was to be funded by the Government of Guyana, the IDB, China and Sithe Global, the US developer.
Meanwhile, as it relates to the Fibre Optic Cable project, the Head of State said it is desirable to have some form of E-Governance, but whether or not that project is the solution, that too is yet to be determined.
The project, headed by Alexei Ramotar, son of former President Donald Ramotar, ran into serious trouble because of technical issues including tough terrain and breakages.
In shocking revelations earlier this year, it came to light that the previous administration had signed a deal with a local contractor, Dax Contracting, to repair the cable. In return, Dax would have had access to the cable and internet connection, allowing the company to compete on the local market in the telecoms sector.
The transaction had immediately prompted objections as the telecoms sector is being reviewed, with legislation before the National Assembly that will allow new players to offer telephone and other critical telecoms services in a highly lucrative industry.
The US$150 expansion of the CJIA facilities, which included a new terminal and longer runway, will receive the support of the Administration, but will also be assessed on its merits, the President said.
The former Opposition had also had reservations about cost of the project. It is being constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC).
China has granted Guyana a loan of US$150M for the expansion project,
The coalition, under David Granger, had vowed to review a number large scale projects, especially relating to costs, during the lead-up of the May 11 general elections.
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