The Opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), today said it opposes and strongly condemns the Government’s decision to establish a state-owned bottled water plant, through the Guyana Water Incorporated to compete with local manufacturers.

At a press conference today, APNU Member of Parliament, Dr. David Hinds, said a closer examination of the initiative, shows that it can become a massive source of corruption.

“We are not necessarily opposed to state-sponsored economic activities, but here in Guyana we are saying that every time the government has ventured in that direction it has turned out to be a source of corruption and that is what we are opposed to. We want to make it clear that we are not opposing state-sponsored economic activities, there are some activities that the state must get involved in but the PPP cannot want it cake and eat it at the same time,” Dr. Hinds noted.

The Opposition is contenting that the Government should instead invest more in GWI to provide Guyanese with safe, reliable, affordable, and potable water.

The party noted that thousands of citizens continue to endure low water pressure, frequent service interruptions, aging infrastructure and discoloured water.  The APNU said the Government’s focus on the bottled water plant is ill-conceived.

President Irfaan Ali yesterday defended the move.

The Government used its majority in the National Assembly last week to approve $496.3 million for a state-owned water bottling facility under Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

But the Opposition wants the initiative scrapped.

“We are against it being done by the government because of its track record shows that whenever they have gotten in these activities, it has been a source of corruption,” Dr. Hinds stated.

The party made the case of the Government’s involvement in the Mariott Hotel as an example of why it should not get into business activities.

APNU Member of Parliament, Saiku Andrews, said if the Government believed that the private sector is not doing enough in the sector, then it must walk side by side with local investors to ensure they are up to the task.

“One would of though that under the direction and management of GWI, that GWI would have facilitated the expansion of that capacity for the private sector that the private sector could compete with the regional suppliers and manufacturers who have been able to over the decades to build their own efficiency and maximize and expand their distribution networks,” Andrews said.

The party said manufacturers across Guyana continue to struggle with unreliable electricity, high operating costs, logistical challenges, and rising production expenses and competing with Government would pose further challenges for the business community.

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