– says cracks are cosmetic, building remains structurally sound

CONTRACTOR Mac Junior International has rejected claims that the new $741.5 million Ministry of Housing headquarters is structurally unsafe, describing reports published by Kaieteur News as misleading and unsupported by technical evidence.
In a statement issued on Friday, the company said the building remains under active construction and has not yet reached practical completion or final handover. It stressed that ongoing inspections, testing and quality assurance reviews are part of the normal construction process.
“At the outset, we categorically reject any suggestion that the building is structurally unsafe or that its structural integrity has been compromised,” the contractor stated.
The company explained that the conditions highlighted in the report are “primarily cosmetic and non-structural in nature,” including minor plaster shrinkage cracks, surface finishing imperfections and other defects commonly encountered during construction. According to the contractor, these issues do not affect the building’s stability, durability, load-bearing capacity or safety.
Mac Junior International further noted that the facility was constructed in accordance with approved engineering designs, specifications and established construction standards, with quality control procedures, material testing and consultant inspections carried out throughout the project.
“It is important to note that the presence of minor surface cracks in finishes does not constitute evidence of structural failure,” the company said, adding that such conditions can occur due to curing, drying, settlement of finishes and temperature variations during construction.
The contractor also expressed concern over the article that conclusions regarding the building’s structural integrity were made without any independent engineering assessment or expert technical investigation. It warned that such assertions could create unnecessary public concern.
According to the company, the project is approximately 91 per cent complete and remains subject to ongoing inspections by the contractor, supervising consultants and the client. Any defects identified during construction are being addressed in keeping with contractual obligations and industry best practices.
Mac Junior International assured the Government, stakeholders and the public that no structural defects compromising the integrity of the building have been identified and that all outstanding snagging and finishing works will be rectified before practical completion and final handover.
“As the Contractor entrusted with delivering this important national facility, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of workmanship, quality, and safety,” the company said.
“We remain confident that upon completion, the New Ministry of Housing Headquarters building will serve as a modern, safe, and durable facility that meets the expectations of the Government and the people of Guyana.”
The modern facility is designed to accommodate over 400 staff members, offering an environment that supports productivity, collaboration, and efficiency. Citizens can expect improved comfort and streamlined access to services once operations commence.
The Ministry plans to officially begin operations at the new headquarters by the end of the first half of 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening public service infrastructure and enhancing the delivery of housing-related services across Guyana.