US$604m Palmyra-to-Moleson Creek road project nearing start

Stakeholders at the meeting (DPI photo)
Stakeholders at the meeting (DPI photo)

-consultation held with key stakeholders

Work on the US$604 million Palmyra-to-Moleson Creek road expansion project in Region Six inched closer to commencement as the Ministry of Public Works yesterday hosted a public engagement with key stakeholders to discuss the mega-project, a Department of Public Information (DPI) release stated.

The consultation, held at the offices of the Regional Democratic Council in New Amsterdam, aimed to inform stakeholders about the significant infrastructural development set to begin soon. Stakeholders at the meeting included the project contractor, Vishwa Samudra Engineering Private Ltd of India, members of the Guyana Police Force, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, and representatives from utility and telecommunications companies.

The Palmyra-to-Moleson Creek road will be upgraded to a four-lane highway to ease the heavy flow of traffic that now persists in the region. In addition to improved concrete drains and roads signage, there will also be pedestrian and cycling lanes.

What the completed project is to look like

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, emphasised that it is the government’s duty to involve stakeholders in projects of this magnitude to ensure they are informed throughout the process. “We have now completed the process of procuring the contractor’s engagement for the building out of this project and it is going forward. One of the conditionalities to ensure the effective execution is getting the Environ-mental and Social Impact Assessment in place.” 

The minister also cautioned the contractor against reckless execution, emphasising the importance of considering the well-being of residents living close to the operation. He also assured the gathering that while the project may cause temporary inconveniences, it will deliver long-term benefits.

He also advised that, “As stakeholders you must be able to get the information so when people discuss the project you would be able to give correct answers or you will be knowledgeable enough to know who are the persons and companies involved.” 

Edghill posited that the project – the largest of its kind being executed in Guyana – will modernise and develop Region Six as well as significantly support housing and deep-water harbour developments in the region. And most importantly, the project is tied to the Guyana-Suriname agreement to construct a bridge across the Corentyne River, which will create major economic opportunities.

“Your Berbice that was once an ancient country is becoming a modern and highly visible and an economic powerhouse…This is the centre of where development is taking place in Guyana”, he said.