WHILE the parliamentary opposition heavily scrutinised the $10 billion budgeted in the 2024 fiscal package for the construction of several pump stations, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha maintained all works are being done under the banner of transparency and accountability.

On Wednesday, the Agriculture Minister told the parliamentary committee of supply that the capital expenditure set aside by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) caters for the construction of pump stations to improve drainage and irrigation capabilities across several regions.

The Minister was extensively questioned by Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, who pondered on the delays of several projects.

In response, the Minister acknowledge the delay, stating that the ministry faced many challenges, which included the removal of squatters and structures that were built on areas where the drainage and irrigation works were slated for.

Nevertheless, he provided assurance to the Committee of Supply that construction has already begun at Canal Number one on the Essequibo Coast, where two stations are currently being built. The minister disclosed that the projected completion dates for these projects are March 29 and April 30, respectively.

“The delay came about because there were a number of other issues…for example the Aline pump station, we had a number of fisher folk there that had structures, we took about six months get those people off that area,” Mustapha explained.

At Cottage on the West Bank Berbice, Region Six, the Minister disclosed the pump station there was 80 per cent completed and the new date of completion for the project is March 30.
Another major pump station that is being built at Andrews on the Essequibo Coast, Region two, is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

This project is estimated to be $528 million.

In further questioning the delays of several projects, Mahipaul quizzed if NDIA engineers can design and supervise the construction of pump stations and other drainage and irrigation infrastructure.

The minister explained that is not the procedure that is stipulated for the agency to follow. He explained, however, that discussions are held with NDIA engineers and consultants who deliberate on projects and agree on the best way forward.

“We don’t have anything to hide, we will always make information available and we will always be accountable and transparent,” Mustapha added.

Meanwhile, MP Mahipaul questioned if provision is made in contracts by the NDIA to compensate residents or repair damage to public infrastructure if damage are imposed during the construction of pump stations and other major works done under the purview of the agency.

According to Mahipaul, he has received and observed reports of damage to a residential property along the Essequibo Coast where works are ongoing.

The Minister promptly provided reassurance that all NDIA contracts include a clause for rectifying any harm caused to personal assets.

“In these contracts we have something called lability insurance …any personal assets destroyed would have to be replaced at the end of the contract, so that is the way we will ensure that we target and deal with that issue,” Mustapha said.