The opposition APNU has called for an independent assessment of damage caused by Wednesday’s squall that struck the Essequibo Coast, arguing that while emergency relief is essential, questions about damage assessments and the structural integrity of public buildings must also be addressed.
The squall damaged numerous homes and public buildings across Region Two, including the Anna Regina Stadium and the Anna Regina Multilateral School, leaving many families to contend with damaged properties and disrupted livelihoods. One teacher was also injured.
In a statement yesterday, APNU acknowledged the government’s emergency response and relief efforts but said the focus must now shift to ensuring that damage assessments are accurate, transparent and subject to proper oversight.
The party said reports from affected communities and discussions with former Regional Executive Officer Dennis Jaikaran had raised concerns that some initial assessments of damage to private property may not accurately reflect conditions on the ground, while some families with severely damaged homes have received little assistance beyond tarpaulins.
“The issue is not whether a storm occurred; it certainly did,” APNU said. “The issue is whether the response, the reporting of damage, and the management of relief and repairs are being conducted with honesty, competence and proper oversight,” it added.
It argued that inaccurate or inflated damage assessments could result in public resources being misdirected while residents in genuine need are left waiting for assistance.
The party also raised concerns about damage sustained by the Anna Regina Stadium and questioned the quality of construction and project supervision. It said Jaikaran had also questioned reports that contractors were being engaged to undertake repairs although the project had reportedly not yet been formally completed or handed over.
APNU called for an independent structural and engineering assessment of the Anna Regina Stadium, the Anna Regina Fire Station and other affected public buildings to determine the cause of the damage and identify any construction defects.
It also urged the relevant ministries, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board and the Auditor General to investigate the matter and make their findings public.
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