Government is mulling the expansion of the New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek thoroughfare as it anticipates increased vehicular traffic in a few years via the planned Suriname to Guyana River Bridge and other projects.
At a press conference last week Monday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said that government is currently in the planning stages of a road expansion project for the ancient county. It has been more than a decade since any major infrastructural upgrades have been done on the approximately 90 KM stretch of road. Jagdeo noted that funds from the next budget will be allocated for either an 8-foot expansion or conversion into a four-lane highway.
“We are now looking at Berbice, for the next budget from New Amsterdam to Crabwood Creek, extending the road by 8ft, 4ft on both sides, repaving it because we need that in that area we are looking two four lanes but that will require a lot of acquisition…”, he stated, noting that several big ticket projects are in their planning stages. Jagdeo also made this disclosure as he was providing clarity to the government’s proposed borrowing of a large sum from China.
Meanwhile. Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, in an invited comment said the project is essential infrastructural development for the county as the current stretch of road is not only aged but will be used by a larger class of vehicles. According to Edghill, apart from the road having to accommodate increased traffic from the Guyana-Suriname Bridge when it opens, consideration is being given for new weight requirements from vehicles. Edghill noted that works have already commenced on the access road leading to the landing point of the Guyana-Suriname Bridge. He added that with plans for a deep water harbour in Berbice, the roads will also have to be upgraded to accommodate the tonnage from vehicles utilizing the road. The necessary studies, which will gave birth to the design and most feasible plan are expected to commence soon. In 2004, the Inter-American Develop-ment Bank granted a US$37.3 million loan to rehabilitate the road system connecting Moleson Creek and New Amsterdam. Eighty-six km of road at that time was rehabilitated under the then Ministry of Public Works and Communications. In 2009 $1.8 billion was allotted for the completion of the road project.