Persaud threatens stern action against negligent contractors

Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Ganga Persaud  has promised that stern action will be taken against contractors who under-perform and do shoddy work in Region One (Barima/Waini).
Persaud made the announcement during a recent outreach meeting with residents of Moruca, saying there has been a flood of complaints to his ministry about negligent contractors and the sub-standard work some of them are doing in the region. However, the minister noted that, although for the most part the contractors are to be blamed, regional officials and residents alike have to shoulder some of the responsibility, as they are supposed to be the “eyes and ears” in relation to how taxpayers’ dollars are spent.
“We just can’t wait until the work is finished and the contractor is gone to complain about poor quality,” he said.

“We each have a civic responsibility to overlook these projects while they are going on, irrespective of who these contractors are. If they don’t give us value for money, we have to sanction them.”
He said regional authorities were instructed to ensure that bills of quantities are passed on to communities in which government projects are ongoing.
Minister Persaud was part of a ministerial outreach team visiting communities in the region from October 26-27 aimed at hearing the concerns of residents and offering solutions. The team included Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran and Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony.
Meanwhile, Minister Edghill told the Moruca residents that the current administration is offering the people of Guyana a model of “development with dignity,” which he said does not take the approach of “giving handouts,” but rather a “comprehensive framework” which caters for everyone.
He said, as a country, this is a very exciting time for Guyana, quite unlike the situation in nations of Europe, North America and other developed regions which are still reeling from one of the world’s worst financial crises. “Here in Guyana, we have experienced positive growth at an average five per cent over the last five years,” he said.
The minister credited this accomplishment to the astute leadership of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, adding that current President Donald Ramotar has taken over the leadership of a country that stands on “solid footing”, which he and his Cabinet are working to further develop.