Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has accused President Irfaan Ali of using the government’s newly launched Model Village initiative as a distraction from the aftermath of the MV Barima maritime disaster, arguing that while families continue to mourn and await the recovery of loved ones, the administration is focused on publicity rather than accountability and improving existing communities.
In a video statement Mohamed described the initiative as a “distraction tactic,” contending that the government should instead prioritise completing unfinished housing developments and addressing longstanding deficiencies in infrastructure across the country.
He argued that after decades in office, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has failed to develop a single community with all the essential amenities, including proper roads, drainage, potable water, electricity, street lighting, recreational facilities and green spaces.
According to Mohamed, many residents in housing schemes continue to face deteriorating roads, poor drainage and limited access to basic utilities, while others who have received house lots are still waiting for infrastructure to be installed before they can begin construction.
He said many allottees have been forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to raise low-lying lands before they become suitable for building, adding that the rising cost of construction materials has made home ownership increasingly difficult.
Mohamed stated that a truckload of sand now costs about $55,000 or more in some areas and alleged that government control over access to several sand pits has contributed to higher costs. He argued that the administration should have implemented measures to ease the financial burden on prospective homeowners rather than announcing new development projects.
The Opposition Leader also criticised what he described as the government’s handling of the housing sector, claiming there remains a backlog of more than 50,000 housing applicants while many individuals who have already paid for house lots are still waiting to receive them.
He questioned the government’s continued emphasis on flagship projects such as Silica City while, he said, existing communities continue to lack adequate roads, drainage, potable water and other essential public services.
Mohamed also took issue with the consultation process surrounding the Model Village initiative, arguing that residents were not given a meaningful opportunity to influence government decisions.
“This was not genuine consultation,” he said, adding that the President largely visited communities to announce decisions that had already been made rather than to listen to residents’ concerns.
He further contended that many housing developments remain overcrowded, with narrow roads that make it difficult for vehicles travelling in opposite directions to pass safely.
Throughout his address, Mohamed repeatedly linked the launch of the Model Village initiative to the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima, noting that the announcement came just over two weeks after the disaster.
He accused the government of attempting to divert public attention from the tragedy, which claimed the lives of more than 100 people, while families continue to grieve and await the recovery of those still missing.
Mohamed also renewed calls for accountability over the tragedy, reiterating demands for the removal of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar.
He further appealed to the international community to monitor developments in Guyana, arguing that genuine development should be measured by improvements in citizens’ quality of life and access to public services rather than by the launch of new initiatives.
“The Guyanese people do not need another slogan. They do not need another launch. They need a government that finishes what it starts, fixes what is broken, and puts people before publicity stunts,” Mohamed said.
He maintained that the launch of the Model Village initiative came while many families were still mourning those lost in the MV Barima disaster and argued that the government’s immediate priority should be ensuring accountability for the tragedy and improving conditions in communities already established across the country.
The government has said the Model Village initiative is intended to transform communities through improved planning, upgraded infrastructure, expanded public services and greater citizen participation in local development.
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