The government is embarking on a programme of improved connectivity in the Region Nine area with some $208 million earmarked to upgrade the main access road linking Sand Creek to Rupunau that will benefit residents in the Deep South Rupununi.
This was announced by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, during an outreach in Sand Creek, where he also highlighted the successful completion of the asphaltic road in Sand Creek, a project that was executed through the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), a Department of Public Information (DPI) release stated on Friday. Edghill also revealed plans for significant investments in internal roads in four nearby villages: Shulinab, Nappi, Karaudarnau, and Awarewaunau.
He also mentioned the government’s intention to relieve residents of road dust pollution. “We [Government] liked how it looked, so we have decided that in all the big villages, we will aim to get people out of the dust, especially where households and traffic are concentrated.”
He disclosed too that approximately $800 million will be expended in these communities. “These contracts have already been signed, and this model will guide our approach in 2025, 2026, and beyond,”
Edghill emphasised the government’s commitment to prioritising the upgrading of community roads in order to reduce dust pollution and improve travel conditions, pointing out that “In Region Nine alone, through the Ministry of Public Works, we currently have more than $1 billion worth of roadworks, developing community roads and connecting villages.”
He noted that travel times have already seen dramatic reductions and stated as an example that the journey from Sand Creek to Lethem which used to take three hours, now only takes one hour.