New MoPW hotline: Contractor-caused damage to bridges, GWI pipes among 200 complaints lodged by citizens

Just days after the Public Works Ministry launched two dedicated WhatsApp hotlines to tackle issues affecting citizens and contractors executing public projects, more than 200 complaints have already been lodged by citizens, including reports of damage to pipelines and bridges by contractors. An additional 70 reports have also been received from contractors, all of which are being actively addressed by the Ministry. The hotline initiative, which was launched on November 6, 2025, by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, aims to create a direct feedback mechanism for citizens and contractors to report deficiencies, hazards, and other issues arising from construction projects or public infrastructure works. Edghill had explained that the hotline system is a key part of improving efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness in the Ministry’s operations.
“It is one way of improving citizen satisfaction, ensuring efficiency, and implementing Government programmes in a manner that benefits the people,” he had said at the launching. The citizen hotline, available 24 hours a day via (592) 624-2964, allows individuals to report a range of concerns, including the quality of work being executed by contractors, encumbrances within communities, derelict vehicles, and general safety issues. Reports have included cases of flooding, damage to bridges, illegal roadside structures, and obstructions along Government reserves.
In addition, citizens are encouraged to report damage to Government property caused by motorists, such as broken lantern poles, traffic lights, and guard rails, noting that offenders will be held liable for the cost of repairs. Reports of unauthorised construction along highways, including unapproved shacks, billboards, and buildings, can also be submitted through the same line, with the Ministry warning that removal costs will be borne by the owner. A separate hotline, (592) 624-2965, has also been established for contractors to raise queries or concerns related to their projects, including issues surrounding payments and construction logistics. Since its introduction, the Ministry has described the public response as overwhelming, with complaints ranging from poor road conditions to encroachments and other violations of public infrastructure laws. The Public Works Ministry said the initiative is already strengthening its ability to respond rapidly to field reports, while also improving oversight of projects and reinforcing the regulatory framework governing contractors. The hotline system, officials noted, reflects the Government’s proactive approach to transparency, citizen engagement, and effective service delivery in the public infrastructure sector. By integrating technology and direct communication channels, the Ministry hopes to ensure that issues affecting communities are addressed swiftly, while maintaining high standards of safety, aesthetics and accountability on Guyana’s roadways and construction sites.