GOG, CDB launch US$34.2M road project; West Coast Demerara vendors to be removed

By Kurt Campbell

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Thirty one kilometers of road from Vreed – En – Hoop to Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo will soon benefit from a US$34.2M road improvement project.

This is as a result of a loan agreement between the Government of Guyana (GOG) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), with a financing cost of US$46.7M.The total base cost of the project is estimated at US$36.3M and will be completed over a five year period.

The objective of the project is basically to provide increase efficiency and safety of road transportation along the West Coast Demerara and will see upon completion a walkway, bicycle paths and overall widening.

Coordinator of the Works Services Group, Ministry of Public Woks Geoffrey Vaughn also hinted that vendors along the stretch of road will have to be removed to facilitate the upgrade.

In order to achieve the objective, the project has combined six components that are to be implemented, each having its own estimated source of funds. The components are: road works, road safety awareness, capacity building, engineering services, project management and monitoring and evaluation.

According to Andrew Dupigny, Division Chief, CDB the Bank has long worked with the Government to improve work networks across the country by providing both financial and technical support.

“Good road infrastructure is among the key elements necessary for national development,” Dupigny added.

He pointed to aspects of the project that will also deal with engendering better road users through road safety and driver education programs.

On a separate note, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn said the CDB has been a very reliable partner in developing the country’s infrastructure particularly in the area of sea defence.

Benn cautioned local contractors/engineers/administrators against shabby work.

“We intend to continue to improve our in house capacities… we have made significant improvements in oversight but there is still room for improvement.”

The Minister explained that the design have been completed and will undergo a review within a month time.

Tenders for the construction will go out as soon as the review is completed, which is anticipated to commence in July.