Dear Editor,
Recently I was visiting parts of the North West, namely Mabaruma and Port Kaituma sub-districts. The roads in these areas are in a deplorable state, although being regularly upgraded by party affiliates who lack the requisite knowledge in road-building. This results in sub-standard road construction by people who are closely aligned to the ruling party – a clear sign of nepotism, favouritism and cronyism.
I was saddened to read aspects of the President’s New Year speech in which he boasted about the government’s achievements, yet these roads are in a poor state. Editor, part of this problem lies in the fact that this particular hinterland communities accepts the status quo because they idolize and embrace the leadership of the current administration, which makes them contented.
A toll is collected at Four Miles in Port Kaituma from all road users. When queried as to why the roads cannot be improved (since there are enough resources to do), the official response is that the funds are sent to the regional office at Mabaruma. When queries are made at the regional office concerning the poor state of the roads, the response given is that central government has reduced expenditure. The blame game continues. Does this sound familiar? Just think about the comical press conferences given these days by the General Secretary of the
ruling party and listen to the lame and superficial utterances of the President.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
