Gov’t to spend $23.7B on roads, $1.9B on bridges

Government has allocated a total of $25.6 billion for the construction and upgrading of roads and bridges this year.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh told the National Assembly on Friday during his presentation of government’s proposed 2021 budget that $23.7 billion will be spent on roads and $1.9 billion on bridges.

“Mr. Speaker, over the next few years, a major transformation will be witnessed in our country’s roads and bridges network, creating new corridors for development in the agro-industrial, light manufacturing, commercial and tourism sectors, paving the way for massive residential housing development, and easing congestion,” he said. He noted that $3.5 billion has been allocated for the commencement of the Linden to Mabura Hill Road and tenders will be launched in the first quarter of this. Additionally, a sum of $150 million has been budgeted for sectional rehabilitation of the Linden–Soesdyke Highway.

He also said that $1 billion would be allocated this year to continue and complete the construction of a four-lane highway from Eccles to Mandela Avenue that is expected to significantly reduce travel time for tens of thousands of commuters traversing this corridor.

Singh also highlighted plans to link the East Coast Demerara Highway to Timehri, connecting the two major airports, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and Eugene F. Correia International Airport; establish Schoonord to Parika four lane superhighway, thereby connecting communities throughout the West Coast of Demerara; develop the Parika to Goshen route, establishing a linkage for the trade and commercial centres of Parika with the central gateway town of Bartica; and develop the Timehri to Bartica link, connecting the West Bank of the Demerara River at Sand Hills to Makouria on the Essequibo River crossing at Monkey Jump to Bartica.

He said these routes will be established with a survey alignment to be completed in 2021, and clearing of the right of way will commence while we pursue financing for construction works.

Singh also highlighted plans for the construction of a farm-to-market road from No. 58 Village linking the Corentyne Coast highway to the Canje Creek, and opening vast acreage of arable agricultural land to benefit farmers across the region. He said preliminary designs are being completed, while survey and right of way alignment will be conducted, and works will commence this year. Meanwhile, speaking on plans for bridging of the Demerara River, Singh noted that nine firms have been shortlisted from a field of 20 and the process now moves to the second round where more detailed designs, costing and financial terms will be assessed.

On the Corentyne River Bridge Crossing, he noted that the Guyana and Suriname governments have invited expressions of interest for the construction of the bridge, while as part of preparation for the project preparatory works to upgrade the road from Moleson Creek to El Dorado with the ultimate goal to extend to Orealla/Siparuta would begin.

Singh also said a total of $9 billion has been allocated under the miscellaneous and other roads programme, while a further $2.1 billion has been allocated to upgrade hinterland roads.