– says more projects to continue with the aim of better lives of citizens
MINISTER of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn, has refuted claims by the Alliance For Change Member of Parliament, David Patterson, that money has been squandered on capital works, especially by the Works Ministry. While listing several projects to be executed this year with the $13B allocated to his ministry, Minister Benn said that the ministry and its sub-agencies will double its efforts to ensure that much more becomes a reality.
“Government remains committed to nation-building and will be consolidating gains in all sectors this year, and developments will continue to move apace with increased emphasis on various areas in the sectors,” he said.
He pointed out that despite the economic downturn which has left countries severely affected, Guyana’s economy remained stable, due to sound financial management by government.
Minister Benn said that government has been working to change the circumstances under which Guyanese live and work and as such, can today boast of assuring workers’ salary increases each year.
“How is it that these preconditions were not consistent with each other in 1987; but somehow, in 2010 and 2011, under the sound financial and fiscal management of the government, these things are suddenly consistent with each other,” he said.
Patterson also stated that discrimination is high on the government’s agenda, since there were no monies allocated in this year’s budget to facilitate activities for International Year of Peoples of African Descent.
The Transport and Hydraulics Minister, in clearing the air, stated that $32.6M was allocated in this regard.
He added that the Opposition has no credibility since in 1968 they stole an entire country by allowing children to vote and brutalizing those who refused, and as such cannot lecture the current administration about corruption.
Touching on the Demerara Harbour Bridge, he said that the structure benefitted over the years from improvement in management and the rehabilitation of various structures. Twenty-nine pontoons were serviced in 2010.
The ministry is also currently developing a feasibility study for the design and re-construction of the bridge. (GINA)