Project management needs urgent improvement

Dear Editor,
The Ministry of Labour continues to experience gaps in enforcement of the safety requirements for the construction industry. The number of deaths in that industry has returned to previous levels, and the recent fall to his death of a Chinese citizen while working at a height on construction site for the New Demerara River Bridge is indicative of the problem before us.
I have mentioned the importance of using fall protection mechanisms on numerous occasions, but these incidents continue to occur. Major construction and public works’ projects should have dedicated Environmental, Health and Safety personnel on site to control aspects of the project where high risk is involved. The issuing of onsite permits and safety gear, such as for fall protection when such works are undertaken during the project, must become the norm, in order to prevent recurrence of tragic incidents and reduce the risk of injury during execution of these major projects.
We all remember the recent early morning meeting with the President. Let’s ensure the budget process keeps this in mind, so as to prevent further national embarrassment. Government must be prepared to staff and support the projects which it undertakes.
The upcoming budget presentation should be cognizant of the human resource limitations at the ministries and within the country. This should inform how they structure the development strategy. It would help to ensure that spending is more effective & efficient, and that the economy would be prevented from overheating due to the additional market constraints that can result.
We must, as a country, do what is within our current capabilities, and be cautious not to repeat the mistakes of the recent past, which have resulted in several projects being poorly executed and also exceeding budget targets. The recent debacle in Ruimveldt, where powerline poles were toppled, is another example of the problem.

With concern,
Jamil Changlee