The sod was yesterday turned for the US$190m Linden to Mabura Road which it is expected will lead to a fully paved highway all the way to Lethem and open up massive business opportunities with Brazil.
Witnessing the contract signing were British High Commissioner, Jane Miller; Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, according to a statement from the Ministry of Finance.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Vladim Persaud, Chief Executive Officer of G-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, leaders of Region 10 and officials of the contracting firm Constructora Queiroz S.A. were also present.
Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni K. Singh re-emphasized that Government continues to work to transform the economic and physical landscape of Guyana. He said that this “catalytic” road project is another demonstration of Government’s commitment to expediting this transformation.
The road is being funded by the Government of Guyana, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the United Kingdom, at a total cost of US$190 million.
Dr. Singh pointed out that the Linden to Mabura Road was part of a larger more integrated plan of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government which was long in the making. According to the release, he noted that another plan of the Government is to significantly transform the country’s electricity generation capacity. The Minister said that for further economic progress, Government’s new Gas to Shore Project will see another 250 megawatts of gas powered energy generated at the Wales Development Authority. He added that Government is also working on other projects that should see ‘an additional 100 megawatts of power comprising various installations, 30 megawatts of solar power and multiple mini hydros and mini solar installations with a view to installing at least 500 megawatts of new power generating capability within the next five years’.
The release said that the Linden to Mabura Road forms part of Government’s transport infrastructure integrated development plan which includes a new high span bridge across the Demerara River and the bridge across the Corentyne River linking Guyana and Suriname. The development of this all-weather road will also bolster trade and commerce to unlock the vast opportunities in linking Guyana with Brazil.
In February last, the CDB issued its no objection for negotiations to commence with the most responsive bidder, Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A. from Brazil being awarded the contract for the upgrading of the road. This project is the first link of the highway between Linden and Lethem and is the first segment of the approximately 450 kilometres thoroughfare.
The US$190 Million Linden to Mabura Road project comprises a US$112-million loan from the CDB, a grant of £50 million (US$66 million) from the Government of the United Kingdom via the CDB-administered United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund, along with US$12 million provided by the Guyana Government. It is also the largest single project ever financed by the CDB.
The release said that the process leading to the award of the contract followed a stringent and transparent procurement process whereby the call for proposals for the prequalification of contractors was made in February 2021.
The road will be 121 kilometres long with a 7.2 metres wide carriageway. It will include a cycle and pedestrian lane measuring 2 metres wide, along with 10 bus stops outfitted with ramps for persons with disabilities. A number of bridges and culverts will be replaced. Some 123 lights will also be installed.
Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A is a large Brazilian Contractor established in 1966.
