Jagdeo rejects Norton’s claim of discrimination in ECD road construction

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday rejected allegations made by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton regarding discriminatory practices in the construction of the four-lane road along the railway embankment on the East Coast of Demerara.

During a press conference last Friday, Norton accused the government of discrimination, claiming that a recent inspection of the road construction revealed inconsistencies with the planned measurements.

Norton alleged that the government initially stated the road would be constructed 40 feet from the center but claimed that in areas where the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) holds political strength, the road was measured at 40 feet from the center, whereas in other areas it was 40 feet.

Dr. Jagdeo dismissed Norton’s claims as unfounded and promised that the truth would be evident upon the road’s completion.

“This is a racist comment coming out of the Leader of the Opposition who should be working to bring people together,” Jagdeo remarked, noting his belief that Norton’s accusations were baseless and divisive.

Jagdeo reminded the public of the difficulties encountered in securing space for previous road construction, explaining that the four-lane highway on the main road was terminated at Annandale due to the need to acquire numerous properties, a challenge that the railway embankment project aims to address.