Presidential Park construction halted

– M&CC owes contractor over $200M

Works on the Merriman Mall restoration and the clean-up works at the Stabroek Market have been halted as the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) owes the contractor, Chung’s Global Enterprise some $200 million for works executed thus far, according to reports.
It was reported that the contractor was awaiting payment for the construction of new stalls between Orange Walk and Cummings Street. It is not clear when these payments will be made.

The M&CC has been undertaking several ambitious projects in the city, many of which were stalled due to lack of insufficient finances.
One such project is the “unity theme” Presidential Park at Merriman Mall.
Having surpassed its intended completion deadline in time for the jubilee celebrations, construction on the Park has come to a complete standstill.
Earlier in the year, Town Clerk Royston King had boasted that this initiative will allow persons to be able to compare the country’s present development from its colonial period. He had explained the plan to have busts of the previous Heads of State and President Granger mounted, which would add to the “unity theme” being promoted by Government.
However, almost one month after the jubilee observances, the Presidential Park initiative remains incomplete.
Deputy Mayor Sherrod Duncan was quoted in today’s Guyana Times as saying that discussions have been held at the Council and decisions are yet to be made to have works resume.
“Well I know there has been mention of the Park in the meetings. But I can’t exactly tell you what because I don’t really remember. However, the discussions have to be made as to when construction will begin again,” Duncan said.