Nearly two years since it was given to a Cabinet sub-committee for review, the draft Engineer’s Bill is still there, as Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill last week explained it was because the current legislative agenda is packed and items are treated in order of priority.
“It is still a draft bill that is awaiting cabinet approval to be placed on the legislative list for debate in the National Assembly. This is just one bill among the many that has to come to the agenda. It is not like it isn’t important or something we are neglecting, it is just that we have a number of things that we are addressing,” Edghill told Stabroek News when contacted for an update.
In November of 2020, less than three months after a request was made by the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE) for an Engineering Bill to be considered by the government, Edghill had delivered a draft document for a Cabinet sub-committee’s consideration.
A release from the ministry had said that this news had been shared with the Engineering Association during a meeting they had held with Edghill back then.
The release said that the members were pleased to learn that Edghill has delivered on his promise to deliberate on the Engineering Bill with his Cabinet colleagues for possible inclusion in legislation.
Engineers have for decades called for such a bill but this appeal has been ignored by successive governments including those of the PPP/C. The bill for the registering of engineers and the setting out of standards has long been called for in the drive to ensure sound engineering work.
Edghill last week said that he was confident that the Bill would make it to the National Assembly but could not give a date, given the amount of work that government currently has on its plate.
“Bills go to the National Assembly for debate and passage. Once it has passed muster or have the consent of Cabinet and is ready as a matter for debate. Government’s legislative agenda has been a heavy one. You would notice the amount of items there. At the appropriate time, that [Engineering Bill] will be placed on the agenda,” he said.
