Failure to complete proper feasibility studies and Environment Impact Assessments (EIA) continues to be the leading cause of failure of major projects in the developing world. Yet the PPP continues to waiver the key studies when pushing major projects. The recent decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to waive the EIA for the Demerara Harbour Bridge stands out as a textbook example of reckless haste in decision-making.
Since the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) replaced the former head of the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams, the new management has been making several questionable decisions. They ended the process where the EPA, under Dr Adams, was pushing for full unlimited liability coverage for oil spills. Now added to the list of questionable decisions is waiving the requirement for an EIA for the new Demerara Bridge.
There were already serious concerns around the new Demerara Bridge project following the revelation that the PPP has terminated the contract with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) for the construction of the bridge. This latest questionable policy decision only adds to growing concerns.
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