Dear Editor,
The Minister’s refusal to accept advice and the inability of the engineers to speak up to ensure that load testing was done on the most significant infrastructure project over the last five years speaks volumes about the internal workings of the Ministry of Public Works. It is also concerning to see that the average curing time for cement of 28 days at minimum is being overlooked to achieve a faster opening of the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Given that it is a high load structure more time than the average for the curing of the cement should be allowed. These fundamental issues are indicative of a larger problem. We have already heard of the Heroes’ Highway issues and other numerous unsatisfactory public works projects.
In addition, the large number of schools that have been erected are lacking adequate fire suppression systems; and this is occurring even after a major national tragedy! It is extremely disappointing that the Ministers and Ministries involved are still taking unnecessary safety risks in their decision making. These issues continue to place at risk the lives of our nation’s children and our citizens. Expediency should never take precedence over safety. CRG calls upon the government to make the necessary changes to ensure that a position of authority is not allowed to overshadow or circumvent sound engineering and safety practices in the design and implementation of future infrastructure and education projects. We must as a nation do better, and we can do better if we truly care for our fellow Guyanese.