Junior Works Min updates private sector on progress in infrastructural project

On Friday members of the private sector were given a comprehensive update on the progress of
government’s infrastructural projects by Junior Works Minister, Deodat Indar.
Indar was at the time speaking at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s
(GMSA) Business Luncheon at the Pegasus Hotel. Admitting that infrastructure plays a vital role
in the functions of the private sector, Minister Indar told the attendees that one-third of the
national budget has gone towards infrastructural development.
The minister said that government has made significant strides in modernising its airports. The
administration moved even further to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) on hinterland travel.
Indar noted that he is aware of complaints that despite the removal of VAT, prices have not
reduced. “I have met with the Aircraft Owners Association a month ago and they had to provide
to me and Minister Oneidge (Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce) on why the prices
have not gone down. They had to provide the data, we removed VAT on travel, yet persons are
complaining the prices have not gone down,” Minister Indar said.
He continued, “They have submitted something to us, we have to sit and go through all of the
numbers because if you reduce VAT from a previous regime, you are supposed to get reduction,
it is supposed to happen, so we want to make sure that that happens.” The junior minister also
highlighted some of major projects on the cards for infrastructural development. These include
the Linden to Mabura road, the Corentyne River Bridge, the new Demerara River Bridge, and
repairs to 49 bridges along the road from Linden to Lethem.

Indar said in the first two budgets of the PPP/C Administration, over $10B has been spent on the
construction of miscellaneous roads countrywide. He disclosed that since taking office, the
government has pushed for the development of shore base projects by ensuring permits are
approved. This, he said, has led to the expansion and development of several shore bases. The
minister noted is also working to reduce the cost for energy, which will boost manufacturing, and
at the same time, eliminate blackouts.
President of the GMSA, Rafeek Khan pointed out that competitiveness in the private sector is a
key factor that is responsible for growth. He said that the cost for travel within the country is
high and hopes that it is addressed by government by way of improved infrastructure. “As we
aim towards sustainable development in the wake of climate change, it is imperative that we
build to last, and we prioritise areas that positively affect competitiveness. Better built or built to
last is a complement to sustainable development. We are facing changing weather patterns that
destroy bridges and roads. Repairs to damaged infrastructure can be avoided if properly built
from the start,” Khan explained.
Indar further assured that government will continue to work to develop and improve the
country’s infrastructure. In 2021 alone, the Government has invested billions of dollars to
improve accessibility. He said recently, the Public Works Ministry signed $1.5B worth in
contracts. Among them was a contract for the construction of the Moleson Creek to El Dorado
Road in Region Six, at a cost of $ 151,227,000.

Minister Indar noted a contract was also signed for construction of the No.52 Village Road at
$239,732,000 and for the maintenance of lots 96 and 97 of the Mara access road to the tune of
$62,759,890. He added that contracts for the rehabilitation of the Itaballi to Puruni road costing
$176,615,040 and rehabilitation of the Bartica Potaro Road totalling 77,311,641 were also
signed.