–Minister Rodrigues calls out Opposition MP for false information
–defends PPP/C’s strategic infrastructure spending in trillion-dollar budget

MINISTER within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, has called out APNU+AFC Members of Parliament (MPs) for their “comical” information regarding the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s budgetary allocation for infrastructure.

In defence of her ministry’s $78 billion allocation, Rodrigues took to the podium during the 2024 National Budget debate in the National Assembly, to shed light on the intricacies of the PPP/C’s approach to infrastructural development.

Firstly, she addressed the theatrics of Opposition speakers, noting: “It would be comical if it wasn’t so serious, because it was laden with false information.”

She urged the House to focus on the content rather than the delivery, setting the tone for a meticulous breakdown of the government’s strategy.

Rodrigues rebuked the recycled argument of slush funds and corruption, pointing to the IMF’s commendation of the PPP/C administration in September 2023 for strengthening anti-corruption frameworks.

Rodrigues questioned the credibility of the Opposition, stating: “They have members on their side who are now before the court charged with fraud when they were in office… so, it’s recycled argument, and they have reworked the argument now and say that this is going to result in a caste system.”

She responded to Opposition MP Sherod Duncan’s concerns about constitutionality by highlighting the constitutional violations during the APNU+AFC’s term.

Rodrigues pointed to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling that the APNU+AFC President David Granger violated the constitution, calling it a historic moment in the country’s history.
As she delved into infrastructure, Rodrigues highlighted the lack of constructive criticism of Budget 2024.

She argued: “Not a single constructive criticism of our infrastructure programme. None of these investments are consumption-based. All of our spending is on capital expenditure; building infrastructure for the future — sustainable infrastructure.”

The minister passionately countered allegations of Opposition MP, Roysdale Forde’s “slush fund” comment, stating: “There’s no slush fund lying around a place that can be used to facilitate corruption. It is patently false.”

Rodrigues stressed the efficiency of the housing programme, highlighting the reduction in costs for those constructing houses.

She presented a comprehensive overview of the housing sector’s success under the PPP/C government, stating: “30,355 Guyanese are now landowners and homeowners; 13,834 women are empowered with ownership; 16,094 young people are asset owners.”

Under the APNU+AFC government, 7,534 house lots were allocated from June 2015 to August 2020. Rodrigues pointed out a decline in the pattern of house lot allocations from 2016 to 2018, with numbers dropping annually.

She highlighted the lack of capital investment in infrastructural development for five years under the APNU+AFC government.

The PPP/C government, she said, in contrast, delivered 28,016 low-, moderate-, and middle-income house lots in three years, spanning 2020 to 2023.

She pointed out the acquisition of 51 new areas for housing development under the PPP/C government.

In the realm of water supply, Rodrigues outlined the government’s achievements in increasing access to potable water, especially in the hinterland regions. She presented per capita figures for water investments, comparing the PPP/C’s initiatives to the previous administration’s dismal record.

As it pertains to water, since assuming office, the PPP/C administration has increased hinterland water supply from 46 per cent in 2020 to 86 per cent in 2023.

The upgrading of the 12 existing water-treatment plants will also be completed in 2024, along with the substantial completion of seven new water-treatment plants. An amount of $22.5 billion has been earmarked for the purpose of upgrading and extending water-supply systems.

The minister argued that the government is investing significantly more per person in water infrastructure, dispelling claims that their focus was solely on projects such as roads.

Transitioning to the budget’s financial aspects, Rodrigues tackled Opposition claims about the misuse of oil money.

She said: “Your argument about oil money is null and void. You have to have sense to spend money.”

The minister backed her claim by referencing the APNU+AFC’s budget execution in 2017, revealing that out of the earmarked $5.8 billion for housing development, only 12% was spent.

Rodrigues questioned the opposition’s ability to manage an oil-producing economy, describing them as “clueless and incompetent.”

She urged caution against allowing the opposition near the seat of government, and warned of a rule marked by vengeance, claiming: “They will rule with vengeance. They have demonstrated their incompetence and are incapable of generating wealth for this country.”

The minister expressed full support for the passage of Budget 2024, endorsing the PPP/C’s vision and plan which is set to continue the rapid development that is occurring in the sector.
The $78 billion allocation is set to support the advancement of housing infrastructure in 2024.