Jagdeo declares that Gov’t looking to begin resurfacing of Linden Highway before year end

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has disclosed that Government is awaiting the approval of
over $24B (US $120M) from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to resurface the Soesdyke-
Linden Highway.
Dr. Jagdeo noted that the administration is hoping for the financing to be approved in June, to
start rehabilitation work along the 72-kilometre-long thoroughfare. “We are hoping that it would
be approved at the board meeting in June of this year, so we can start reconstructing that
highway before the end of the year,” the former President said Sunday. He was speakin, during a
meeting with a number of Region 10 residents. “That is what we are hoping to do, to pave the
highway from the junction all the way into Linden.  The highway is in a horrible state, it is in a
bad state coming up here,” the VP said.

Dr. Jagdeo pointed out that while the government was addressing the impact of COVID-19,
emphasis was also being placed on developing the country’s infrastructure. He stressed that the
upgrade to the highway is part of several key plans which the government has outlined for the
Upper Demerara-Berbice region.
Jagdeo assured that within three weeks, residents there will benefit from 800 part-time jobs to
enhance their household income. He said that about 200 to 250 small grants will also be
distributed to persons desirous of starting or expanding their businesses.  These interventions, the
Vice President said illustrates government’s determination to advance the living standard of
citizens nationwide, the Vice President underscored.
Cecil Todd, a resident lauded the administration’s move to make jobs available to Region 10,
citing that unemployment has been an issue for persons residing there. “This will encourage the
youths, it will keep them off the road, they will be able to find something to do beside sporting
and drinking.,” Todd related. Todd also applauded the efforts to pave the highway, adding that,
“It has a lot of potholes and it is deteriorating. So, I am happy.”
Justino Simmons of No. 47 Miles, manages his own mechanic shop. He wants to take part in the
ongoing effort of creating jobs for residents. He believes that the job opportunity comes at a time
when many youths are partaking in negativity activities. Simmons expressed hope of being
among those who will receive the grant to expand his business. “I think it’s a good thing, you can
expect more but at least they are doing as they promised.”
Orlando Edwards, revealed that a number of jobs that will be created is an amazing move and
must be commended. “It’s very good because we are stressed here for jobs in Region 10 and
what he [Vice President] did today, to me it sounds very good, and about the expansion of roads
I believe it’s very good, because a lot of time we get a lot of traffic jam. I don’t think they could
do everything one time,” Edwards declared.

Meanwhile, Rolston Albert in a media interview related that government must be praised for the
great vision it has to expand Guyana. Albert said the approach to resurface the highway is an
exceptional idea.  Albert added that once it is development for Linden, it will be accepted.