Guyana’s political opposition has launched a formal demand for financial transparency regarding substantial government allocations for urban infrastructure projects. The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition is pressing the administration to provide complete public accounting for GY$2.7 billion (approximately US$13 million) designated for market rehabilitations and drainage improvements throughout Georgetown.
APNU Parliament member Ganesh Mahipaul, who serves as the party’s local government spokesman, issued a formal statement expressing profound public dissatisfaction with the apparent lack of visible progress. “Citizens see little to no tangible improvement on the ground,” Mahipaul declared, highlighting the growing disparity between budget announcements and physical implementation.
The political challenge emerges against a backdrop of ongoing urban tensions, including the recent removal of vendor stalls from outside Yhip’s Bakery on Robb and Alexander streets under a High Court order. While no APNU representatives were present during the demolition of these predominantly female-operated businesses, Mahipaul pledged his party’s continued advocacy for market vendors across the capital.
Citing official responses provided during February 2025 Budget Estimates discussions, the opposition lawmaker detailed specific allocations that remain unaccounted for, including GY$40 million for Bourda Green project design consultancy, GY$260 million for phase one construction of Bourda Green, and substantial sums earmarked for market rehabilitations in East Ruimveldt, La Penitence, and Stabroek areas.
Mahipaul described concerning conditions persisting at multiple market locations, with Bourda Market reportedly remaining in “deplorable condition” while Merriman’s Mall shows “no transformation.” He noted widespread infrastructure deficiencies, sanitation challenges, and unsafe environments for both vendors and shoppers throughout Georgetown’s commercial spaces.
The APNU demands extend beyond mere financial accounting, seeking detailed explanations of specific works completed under each budget line item, expenditure rates, current fund locations, contract award details, and explanations for missed completion timelines. The party emphasizes that ministerial consultations and public walkabouts cannot substitute for concrete deliverables, particularly when billions of dollars and public welfare are at stake.
The infrastructure concerns are compounded by Georgetown’s persistent drainage problems, with many drains and trenches remaining choked by silt and solid waste despite recent desilting of some outfall channels to the Demerara River. During heavy rainfall, sections of Bourda Market reportedly flood with foul-smelling water, while clogged drains overflow throughout the commercial district.
The opposition’s financial transparency demand arrives as Georgetown faces additional urban management challenges, including overflowing government-donated waste bins that have complicated drainage systems since late December 2025.