By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
A recent wave of on-site inspections by President Irfaan Ali at major infrastructure projects across Guyana has ignited debate over leadership style, effective oversight, and the optics of executive involvement in project delivery.
Over the past several days, the Head of State has visited multiple construction sites nationwide, including the ongoing four-lane highway project stretching from Buzz Bee Dam to Land of Canaan along the East Bank of Demerara. The inspections have been promoted as part of government efforts to accelerate development, improve connectivity, and support Guyana’s rapid urban expansion.
However, former Minister of Public Works David Patterson has criticised the President’s hands-on approach, describing it as excessive and counterproductive. In a telephone interview, Patterson said there is nothing inherently wrong with a president visiting project sites, but argued that the level of involvement now being displayed amounts to micromanagement rather than meaningful oversight.
According to Patterson, the inspections are driven largely by public relations considerations and have not led to tangible improvements in project execution or timelines. He contended that several major state projects remain behind schedule, despite frequent presidential site visits, and questioned whether such involvement has translated into better outcomes.
Patterson also pointed to longstanding challenges within key state entities, arguing that repeated public warnings and high-level attention have not yielded structural reform or improved performance in struggling sectors.
Meanwhile, President Ali has defended his active engagement, stating that the inspections are intended to ensure quality, accountability, and coordination across complex infrastructure works. During his visit to Buzz Bee Dam earlier this week, the President highlighted the scale of the engineering and planning underway to reshape the East Bank corridor.
He explained that the new four-lane highway will link the Mandela–Eccles corridor, the Heroes Highway, and the future Ogle Highway via a major roundabout at Buzz Bee Dam. When completed, the project will effectively establish a third four-lane highway along the East Bank of Demerara, easing congestion and supporting long-term growth.
The highway project is divided into eight lots. Government officials say Lot One is approximately 33 per cent complete, while Lot Seven stands at 57 per cent completion. The roadway will feature medians, enhanced safety infrastructure, margin sealing, and designated pull-off lanes, and will extend toward Land of Canaan.
As construction continues, the debate persists over whether presidential inspections represent proactive leadership and accountability, or whether they blur the lines between strategic oversight and operational management.
