Regions Two, Three inked over $240M in contracts inked for infrastructural works

12 contracts worth over $240M to commence the construction of several roads, bridges and other infrastructural works in Regions Two and Three were signed by the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry.  It was revealed that six contracts were awarded to local contractors in the respective regions.

Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, on Tuesday witnessed the signings held at the respective boardrooms of the Regional Democratic Councils. The contractors were told by Dharamlall that the exercise forms part of government’s effort to push community infrastructure development thus, enhancing the lives of citizens. “We expect that these contracts are going to be completed within the specified contract period. It is usually a policy of the government that we do not engage in variation even before contracts or the first phase is being implemented,” the minister said.

Minister Dharamlall noted that with this in mind, he urged the regional engineers to monitor these projects to ensure contractors provide quality work in every community. As such, he promised to have the bill of quantity for these projects published. “These investments are crucial where thousands of people will benefit and being a partner of the government in this development process, we look forward to working with you,” he assured.

Dharamlall warned the contractors to not only work together with the locals, but employ them to ensure money is circulating in the region. “We have been working assiduously to ensure that all of our regions are up to standard for the ‘One Guyana’ we are building, and so we expect quality work from our contractors,” Regional Chairman, Region Two, Vilma DeSilva said as she shared similar sentiments.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Jagnarine Somwar of Region Three disclosed that since government assumed office, the region has significantly transformed. Dharamlall also handed over two tractors to the Region Two administration to boost the region’s agriculture programme. It was noted that the machines will be used to support maintenance work for farmers.

The contracts signed in Region Two represent 16 percent of the region’s capital programme, which accounts for over $860M.