MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, has strongly condemned parliamentary opposition Member Ganesh Mahipaul for allegedly spreading false information regarding infrastructural development on Wakenaam Island.

In a recent Facebook post, Mahipaul claimed that the walkways in predominantly Indian communities have been completed, while those in Afro-Guyanese areas remained unfinished—a statement Minister Indar labelled as “wilfully misleading.”

Responding to these allegations, Minister Indar emphasised that the government, under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), remains committed to serving all Guyanese, irrespective of race, gender, or social status.

“I am not surprised by Mahipaul’s actions,” the minister stated, adding that contrary to Mahipaul’s claims, work is currently ongoing in the Melville community, an Afro-Guyanese area, with both the contractor and workers also being Afro-Guyanese.

Indar further debunked Mahipaul’s assertions, stating that photos and video evidence prove that progress is being made on the walkways in Melville.

He noted that various communities such as Belle Plaine and San Souci are at different stages of development, including excavation, sand filling, culvert construction, and concrete-base work, all part of the ongoing infrastructural projects-

The minister described Mahipaul’s comments as an attempt to stir division among the residents of Wakenaam, a peaceful community where significant development is ongoing.

“The government’s goal has always been to enhance every community across Guyana, and this progress takes place in stages,” he stated.

Minister Indar highlighted his 2023 visit to Wakenaam, where he, alongside technical officials, engaged with local leaders and residents to address their concerns.

He explained that during a house-to-house visit, he listened to the issues residents faced, including drainage, agriculture, pension benefits, and public-assistance concerns.

“I revisited the communities to better understand the challenges at a household and community level, and work to address them,” said Indar.

The visit was part of President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s “taking-the-government-to-the-people” initiative, designed to bring ministers and officials closer to citizens to assess their needs firsthand. According to Indar, this direct engagement allows ministers to better understand the issues on the ground and find ways to bring relief to citizens.

Indar also reiterated the government’s commitment to helping local contractors and individuals willing to work to improve their communities. He stressed that efforts are being made to ensure that people from within these communities are employed for ongoing projects, helping to create jobs and foster local development.

Sheikh Ahmad, a councillor with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), praised Minister Indar’s visit, calling it “fruitful” and highlighted that the minister effectively addressed several concerns raised by residents. Ahmad pointed out that the PPP/C administration has invested approximately $800 million in infrastructural works, including the construction of streets, main roads, streetlights, a new Arthurville Primary School, and a health centre.

“We, the residents of Wakenaam, cannot complain,” said Ahmad, expressing gratitude to President Ali and his government for the continuous development on the island. He noted that over 500 residents who once had to walk through mud to reach their destinations now benefit from proper roads and streetlights, transforming their daily lives.

As development continues on Wakenaam, Minister Indar reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for all citizens, ensuring that no community is left behind.