– especially in execution of infrastructural projects, says T&T consultant

TRINIDADIAN Engineering Consultant, Richard Small, has urged Guyanese to be wary of corruption, particularly as the country prepares to develop infrastructure through its oil and gas economy.

Small made the appeal while speaking at a panel discussion entitled: “Infrastructure Development in an Oil and Gas Economy, The Guyana Reality”, on Friday. This discussion was organised as part of the Eighth International Road Federation (IRF) Caribbean Regional Congress, which was opened on Wednesday and concluded on Friday

“By experience or by fact, it has been shown that there is a strong potential that corruption is going to step in and that is something I think we should all need to be very mindful of and careful of so that it doesn’t impact the potential for infrastructure growth and development in Guyana,” Small highlighted.

Corruption, according to him, have lead to bad project selection, poor quality construction, increased price of construction, time cost overruns, insufficient maintenance, low returns and negative impact on economic development.

Infrastructure, he said, adds to the overall development of a country, and as such, it needs to be done in a sustainable manner.

Land, water, energy, air and the human environment are all facets that will be impacted by infrastructural development, Small said, and added: “We have to be sensitive to each and every one of these areas so that the outcomes are positive instead of negative.”

Guyana, he said, must continue to pay emphasis on sustainable infrastructural development along with environmental conservation and ‘green’ development.

“It is very important in Guyana’s specific case, being so pristine and environmentally sensitive, that we also have to take into consideration that the role of the structure of development does not negatively impact on the environment,” he said.

With this in mind, he urged that measures be put in place to ensure that the local infrastructure is developed sustainably, but devoid of corruption.

“There is a need, in my view, that you need to apply more laws, more regulations and more resources to make sure that the growth that Guyana is to expect is carefully managed, monitored,” the consultant said.