By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
The Government continues to face mounting criticism over the $15.8 billion Government Office Complex near the Eccles/Haags Bosch roundabout on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), with Opposition figures blasting what they describe as a slothful and poorly managed project that is wasting taxpayers’ money.
Despite the fanfare surrounding the project’s launch, construction remains incomplete after more than three years. Opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul has repeatedly questioned the lack of oversight, accountability, and transparency, asserting that citizens deserve to see tangible returns on such massive public investments.
“We are committing to the people that we will ensure, in government, that there is proper oversight, proper accountability, and good governance—because protecting the people’s monies is more important than anything else right now,” Mahipaul stated.
When Nightly News visited the construction site on Wednesday, workers were observed driving piles for the first of four planned 12-storey towers. The completed complex is expected to accommodate 6,000 public servants, consolidate key government ministries, include a large parking facility, and feature an independent utility system.
A project engineer familiar with the works disclosed that labour shortages and logistical hurdles have contributed to the extended delays.
The project is being executed by Caribbean Green Building Inc., with Vicab Engineering serving as the consultant.
Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, was blunt in her assessment, describing the pace of work as “unacceptable” and indicative of poor government management.
“To date, between 2022 and 2025, after three years, $8.6 billion has already been approved. I have been calling on Minister Edghill over the last three years to come clean with regards to this project,” Ferguson stated.
She further argued that the slow progress mirrors a wider pattern of government inefficiency and mismanagement, asserting that the administration must be held accountable.
“What is causing the slothful pace of the 12-storey complex—which is being funded by taxpayers? I don’t know what is causing the delay,” Ferguson said.
The long-delayed project, initially billed as a landmark initiative to modernize government operations, now faces growing public frustration as costs mount and delivery timelines remain uncertain.
