-Lall tells budget debate
Minster of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall says a waste management programme will be set up and waste disposal sites on the Essequibo Coast, Lethem and several other places have been identified and will soon be established. Before the year ends, he said, there will be a comprehensive plan. He had noted that Guyanese have been generating more waste and said “the wealthier the country, it tends to develop more waste.” He said if the situation continues as it is, it could present difficult problems.
He also revealed that the Haag Bosch waste disposal facility will come on stream in about six months.
Lall rose to speak to heckling from opposition members. Without naming her, he referred to PNCR-1G MP Judith David-Blair’s presentation on Wednesday night. He said that she had given the impression that in Bartica all hope was lost but and stated that he was “honoured” to attend a ceremony to remember the victims of the Bartica massacre, during which speakers talked about the peacefulness of the community. According to him, “since that massacre Guyana is now experiencing peace and tranquillity throughout its territory.” This remark was rejected by PNCR Parliamentarian, Deborah Backer. “How dare you,” she interjected questioning how he could make such a statement when women are being “butchered” across the country. As she continued to state her views, she was asked by the Speaker to desist.
Lall said that the ministry will be commencing “aggressive” training programmes this year and will aim for more effective use of resources. The Ministry will be constructing tarmacs and rehabilitating and building markets this year, he stated. On local government election, he stated that they have gone very far and the elections commission has indicated that it will be ready very soon to hold elections.
While he was optimistic, the minister stated, he is also worried about various statements by political parties. According to him, it seems as if they do not want elections to be held or to be held in such a way that they have the advantage.
Alliance for Change MP David Patterson, joining the debate, said that the local government committee had not completed its work and this he blamed on the administration’s “inflexibility.” He declared that all the suggestions raised by the opposition were rejected by the PPP. He noted that a major issue-fiscal transfers-remains unresolved.
Patterson also rapped the government over the “wasted” $150M expenditure on the 50-metre Olympic Swimming pool, which he pointed out, was on its way to being constructed but there were flaws with the contractor driving piles when none were needed. Referring to it as “poolgate,” he noted that more money had been allocated for its completion but international consultants had to be brought in. But, he said, when it is completed at mid-year, Guyana will still not have a 50-metre FINA-certified pool because international requirements stipulate that there must be a warm up pool. According to him, the consultant had recommended that a 65 metre pool be constructed and a portion used as the warm up pool. He declared that it is a prime case where there is the need for a value for money audit. Another case, he said, is the building that was to be used for the headquarters of the Ministry of Labour on High Street.
Also presenting was PNCR-1G MP Cheryl Sampson, who stated that the “rights of the child commission needs to start working in the best interest of all the children of Guyana”. She said that Guyana experiences a high level of domestic violence most of it perpetuated against women and questioned when the laws will be enforced. She said that it is time for the women and gender equality commission and all the other rights commission to do their work.
