ZEELUGT VILLAGE, GUYANA— The $2 billion dollars in upgrades to roads in region 3, announced by Minister Deodat Indar was intended to be a monumental upgrade to the infrastructure of the region. However, residents today are complaining about a quick and troubling deterioration of a recently constructed bridge.
Mere months after the completion of the Zeelugt bridge, visible cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces have emerged, raising concerns among the local populace about the longevity and safety of these critical infrastructural developments. “It’s like watching your hard-earned money washed away with the rain,” lamented Raj, a local citizen, pointing towards the crumbling edges of the newly built bridge.
This situation in Zeelugt Village is not isolated. Across Guyana, there are increasing reports of infrastructure projects that falter shortly after completion. Investigations suggest that a significant factor contributing to this widespread issue is the allocation of construction contracts to inexperienced contractors, often tied to allegations of corruption within the industry.
“These contractors sometimes lack the requisite expertise and experience, yet they are handed contracts because of connections and not capability,” explained an industry insider who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. The result is subpar work that does not meet the necessary standards and specifications, leading to premature failures and the wasteful expenditure of public funds.
Experts argue that this pattern of poor workmanship not only depletes national coffers but also poses serious safety risks to the communities. “Every shoddy road or bridge is a potential hazard waiting to happen, and it is the public that is at risk,” noted a local resident who is known by the name Panwattie Singh.
As frustration grows among the residents of Zeelugt, calls for accountability are intensifying. There is a pressing demand for transparency in the contract awarding process and for the implementation of stricter quality controls and monitoring mechanisms.
For a country striving to develop its infrastructure to bolster economic growth and improve living standards, the road ahead for Guyana seems fraught with challenges unless decisive actions are taken to curb corruption and enhance the quality of public construction projects.