‘More money, less work’

Jul 03, 2025 News

…Patterson says govt spent double cost for less road works on new Ogle to Eccles Highway

Kaieteur News- Executive member of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said that the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has spent double the cost for less road works on the Ogle to Eccles Highway project.

Executive Member of the Alliance for Change, (AFC) David Patterson

Patterson was responding to a recent statement by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill. In that missive, Edghill noted that the new highway was being built under the price tag of US$275 million by the former APNU/AFC administration.

At the recent commissioning ceremony for the US$133.8 million highway project, Edghill said, “I want to put on record, and I want to be clear, even if I sound controversial. When we came to government, we met a project that was US$275 million by the APNU/ AFC government to do exactly what we did here.”

Responding to the minister, Patterson explained that the original design for the project was completed in November 2019. Details pertaining to the project at the time were as follows “Total distance of 25.43km of roads, comprising a four-lane main alignment of 15.34 km with a design speed of 120 km/h, four connector roads at Aubrey Barker, Haag Bosch, Mocha Arcadia and Great Diamond, totaling 10.09 km with design speeds of 80 – 100 km/h. Seven major intersections – one four-legged signalised intersection, one roundabout with four legs, one three-legged signalised intersection, four T intersections and eight U turns. Four major bridges, 15 minor bridges and 66 box culverts. Highway lighting for the entire length at 30m spacing. 717 road signs, traffic lights, hazard marking, mounted signs, safety barriers, traffic attenuators and bus stops.”

Section of the recently commissioned US$133.8 million Ogle to Eccles Highway

Further, Patterson pointed out that the total cost was US$208.1 million including 10 percent contingency allowance and 7.5 per cent consultancy fees – overall a completed project inclusive of a reserve set aside for a light railway at US$8.18 million per km.

“The PPP has constructed a 7.8 km road for US$133.8 million, averaging US$17.8 million per km and is now touting this as an example of fiscal discipline and value for money. This is the typical track record of the PPP, completing a reduced design project – 30 percent of the original design at double the cost, and then claiming to be providing value for money,” Patterson argued.

Patterson said the project, while appreciated, is another prime example of the PPP’s lack of vision and poor financial management.

Providing a glaring example of poor financial management, Patterson noted the Wales Gas-to-Shore Project, which he said was originally designed to cost under US$700 million, but has now skyrocketed to over US$2.4 billion and counting.

Another example he highlighted is the Heroes Highway which he stated, “After spending G$15 billion (US$75 million) on the Heroes Highway (aka concussion highway), they now claim that it is temporary work and must spend an equal amount to pave it in the future – this road, not more than two years old, is now in need of urgent repairs.”

With the election period underway, the MP warned of the misinformation that would come from the PPP, noting “but the plain and simple fact is that they have not been capable of providing the country with value for money in none of their so-called transformational projects”.

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David Patterson, Eccles Highway, Edghill, Minister of Public Infrastructure, People’s Progressive Party Civic

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