Contract signed for $US190M Linden to Mabura Hill road

A historic contract was signed to commence the construction of the Linden to Mabura Hill road by the Government on Friday. It was noted that the signing of the $US190M contract was done in Linden with Brazilian company, Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A. Being touted as transformational, the project has been in the works for decades, said Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh.

Dr. Singh explained that for more than 30 years securing funding for the project was not possible due to the state of the country’s economy. He disclosed that it is possible today, because of government’s willingness to ensure the prosperity Guyanese. “Our vision for Guyana is one where if you are a farmer producing produce in Linden, you must be able to load your produce up and drive it unimpeded to Lethem and beyond to sell it… if you are manufacturing, any item you must be able to sell as easily in Georgetown and Linden as you must be able to sell in Bonfim and Boa Vista,” Dr. Singh stressed.

It was revealed that the all-weather road will be 121 kilometres long and 7.2 metres wide with a two- lane carriageway. It will feature a shared cycle and pedestrian lane measuring 2 metres wide, along with 10 bus stops outfitted with ramps for persons with disabilities. Further, a number of bridges and culverts will be replaced. Some 123 lights will also be installed along with nine vehicle rest areas. Public Works’ Ministry Permanent Secretary, Vladim Persaud and a representative from Brazilian company Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A., showcased the signed contract 

The finance minister noted that it has always been the vision of the PPP/C to triple the market that farmers and manufacturers are used to, with the construction of the road. “This project, as large and as important as it is, is not a standalone project, it is part of an integrated plan for a more prosperous Guyana. It is not just a road that is standing out there, it is connected with other things. Of course, it is about improved trade through Guyana, of course it is about generating economic activity in areas such as logistics and tourism,” Minister Singh explained.

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill pointed out the investment opportunities that are now presented to the people of Linden with the construction of the road. He said that the people of Linden, should be positioning themselves for the benefits that will be derived upon completion of the road. “I want you to envisage 100 containerised trucks per day minimum coming through from Brazil, they have to come through Linden, you better get your restaurants open. There will have to be fuel stations, there will have to be service, there will have to have rest stops,” Edghill said.

He continued, “You know if you have 100 trucks coming through with goods, that is only the business, but what about a tourist? You do not have enough hotel rooms in Linden to accommodate tourists that will be coming as a result of this road. It is time for people to make investments.” Junior Public Works Minister, Deodat Indar expressed similar sentiments. He said that upon taking office, the government worked tirelessly to pave the way for the construction of the road.

“It is not just a road, this will derive benefit for miners who travel this route, it will derive benefit for people in the forestry sector who use this route, it will derive benefit for people who are engaged in agriculture and much more other benefits that we intend to bring to Guyana by connecting the township to Lethem,” Indar argued.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E Jane Miller hailed the project as transformational. Chief Executive Officer of GO-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank, representatives from the construction company and leaders of Region 10 were among those present during the ceremony.