–Minister Indar says

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, in his response to the opposition parliamentarians at Monday’s debate, criticised them for failing to acknowledge the government’s work and continuing to do so regarding infrastructure and sea defences.

The minister explained that investment in sea defences is required because of Guyana’s constrained coastal plain, where most people live and work.

Due to the continued rising sea levels and flooding, he said sea defence is a priority for the PPP/C government.

According to Indar, some $4.9 billion was allocated to his ministry for the execution of direct sea defence works in the 2023 National Budget. That will allow the government to build new structures or fortify existing ones.

In addressing the Opposition, Minister Indar set the record straight with the opposition members by letting them know that the People Progressive Party Civic administration is spending billions of dollars to ensure that sea defences protect the coastlands, islands and other low coastal areas to avoid floods in the future.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh announced last week that the nation will spend $19.7 billion on drainage and irrigation projects at Mete-Meer Zorg, Jimbo Grove, Belle Vue, and Letter Kenny as new pump stations will be built.

The minister also pointed out that, in 2022, over 1,100 roads were built under the Ministry of Public Works, a testament to the government’s dedication to improving the countrywide infrastructural capacity.

Additionally, the new Demerara River Bridge is set to have a lifespan of approximately 100 years. Highlighting that 4.2 million trips have been made across the harbor bridge within the last year, the minister emphasised the need for this investment, in enhancing the lives of all Guyanese.

Meanwhile, Minister Indar said the oil and gas sector is a major part of Guyana’s economy, driving and propelling growth in all sectors with a cascading effect. These resources will be used to invest in several sectors, such as agriculture, and major infrastructural projects to drive sustainability.

Further, budgeted for this year are funds for the solid waste cleanup programme, operating existing and new landfill sites, and supporting infrastructure development.

More specifically, plans are included for the Blairmont Waste Management Facility’s access road and bridge, the closure of the landfills in Charity, Lima, and D’Edward, as additional improvements will be made to the landfill gas management system at Haags Bosch, as well as improvements to the landfill sites in Kildonan, Bon Success, and Kara Kara.

The 2023 national budget was presented to the National Assembly under the theme, “Improving Lives today, Building Prosperity for Tomorrow”,