One month given to complete Mahdia Road as minister issues final warning

The incomplete road in Mahdia

A one-month extension has been given by Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill to K & P Project Management to complete a major thoroughfare in Mahdia, Potaro-Siparuni, (Region Eight).

Dissatisfaction was expressed by Edghill at the current rate of implementation of the contract during his inspection of the project on June 3. Edghill warned that there will be no further delays in the development of the township and warned the contractor of the consequences for delinquencies.

“That letter of poor performance will be copied to the tender board and you guys have one month… if the work is not finished that you all cannot get no more work no other part of this country because you cannot fulfil a job,” he said.

Edghill continued, “I cannot let this continue because while you are sitting down under the shed and you work when you get materials and your boss when he gets money then he buys materials, the people of Mahdia are suffering.”

Bishop Juan Edghill and team along with a representative from K & P Project Management inspecting the road

The minister revealed that K & P Project Management signed a $87M contract in 2020 for the delivery of a 500-meter road within six months. However, to date, only 45 per cent of the work has been completed.

Minister Edghill noted that the significant delay is causing socio economic hardships for 4,200 residents who depend on mining and farming for their livelihood. He said that apart from mining and agriculture, Mahdia is the hub for coastlanders seeking employment in the mining industry.

The public works minister said that currently, only one side of the concrete road is complete while the other side is filled with potholes, making it uncomfortable for travel and increases wear and tear on vehicles.

President, Irfaan Ali in November 2021 met with contractors executing government projects, where he advocated for quality, expediency and accountability. President Ali also told contractors that they have to adapt to the culture of working at night to complete projects that will ultimately benefit the people of Guyana.