Personnel involved in infrastructural projects must be qualified, competent and have professional integrity

Apr 18, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,
In an April 13 KN article on the above referenced subject, Economist Elson Low expressed the view that reckless spending by the Administration on questionable infrastructure projects should not be allowed to continue since eventually Guyanese will have to bear the cost of these projects which are poorly planned, executed and do not serve their intended objectives. Cases in point. Firstly, the propose Amaila Falls Hydropower Project. Millions of dollars have already been spent on preliminary works but the Government is yet to determine whether the project is economically and financially viable. Secondly, a contract worth over three hundred million dollars has been awarded to GAICO Construction to dredge the Pomeroon River to increase its flow to prevent flooding of farmlands along its banks. The Ministry of Agriculture based on the facts, has not determined how dredging of this River would mitigate flooding of the farmlands along its banks since no study was conducted to support its claim. It is worth noting however, that when the ocean water level is high and there is heavy rainfall in the Pomeroon River catchment, the increased river flows has no way to go but overtop its banks thus flooding the adjoining lands. Instead of dredging the river, there are other meaningful ways by which the farmlands along its banks could be protected from recurring flooding. Further, there are concerns as to whether this dredging contractor has the experience, equipment, finance and reputation to execute this job. In addition, the Government does not have an adequately equipped hydrographic vessel with trained and experienced personnel to determine which section of the River needs to be dredged to increase its flows, the volume of silt to be removed and at what depth. These and other factors must be known before any payment for dredging could be authorised for work done.
An Ogle type airport has been earmarked for construction at Rose Hall, Region 6. The economy and anticipated air traffic in this region cannot justify this “White Elephant”. Period. Similarly, a sports stadium and hotel are to be built at the sleepy village of Palmyra on the Corentyne Coast. The people in this region are struggling to find jobs as well as putting food on their tables for their families particularly so since the closing of the sugar estates. Where would these Guyanese find the resources and time to attend functions at a sports stadium and pay for lodging in an expensive hotel when their priorities have to be directed elsewhere?
Finally, Economist Low drew attention to Government’s contracts, which are poorly executed since extensive repairs have to be carried out on them soon after they are certified as completed as is the case with the University of Guyana access road. This is a complex issue as it involves the design engineers, contractors and Government personnel who are involved in one way or another with a project. The personnel involved in the project have to be qualified, competent and have professional integrity in the execution of their duties if a project is to be successfully completed.

Yours truly,
Charles Sohan

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Personnel involved in infrastructural projects must be qualified, competent and have professional integrity

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