Built from dust!

DPI, Guyana, Friday, November 22, 2019

In previous years, Lethem has had its fair share of deplorable roads, but after investing approximately $473M, these woes are officially a thing of the past.

On Friday, Prime Minister, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo delivered the feature address at the commissioning ceremony of the Barrack Retreat Corridor, the main access road into the Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo Region.

An aerial view of the newly commissioned Barrack Retreat Corridor road in Lethem

The Prime Minister, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo delivering remarks at the official commissioning of the Barrack Retreat Cortridor road in Lethem.

Public Infrastructure Minister, Hon. David Patterson addressing the gathering.

Region 9, Regional Executive Officer (REO), Carl Parker.

Residents walking along the Barrack Retreat Corridor road in Lethem

“It takes vision, it takes a plan, and we can use Lethem as an example,” the Prime Minister stated as he lauded the efforts of the Coalition Government to bring the massive project to fruition.

As a result of the new asphalt dual carriageway, people throughout Guyana continue to flock to the southernmost administrative region to experience its culture that was previously a hazardous journey due to the deplorable dusty road.

“More persons will be identifying Lethem as the connecting hub that will connect Guyana with the rest of South American,” the Prime Minister alluded.

It was the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Paterson who drove home the point that the government was not finished with the hinterland region.

According to Minister Patterson, numerous plans are in the pipeline for Region 9. For 2020 and beyond, the Public Infrastructure Minister said Guyanese can expect an extension of its internal roads. This is inclusive of works on streetlights and drainage in Lethem.

Moreover, Region 9’s Regional Executive Officer, Carl Parker delivered a passionate endorsement of the road project. The REO noted, “what we are seeing is an effort to change the landscape of the Rupununi.”

Beginning in 2017, JR Ranch Incorporated vegan Phase 1 of the road by installing 2km of underground drains, sub base and base preparation. For 2018, the sub-base and base layer with laterite was constructed from the roundabout to Tabatinga Bridge.

The Barrack Retreat Corridor was completed in 2019 with the paving of the asphalt road to an approximate length of 1.8km.

Ministers of Natural Resources and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs also delivered remarks. Numerous other ministers of government attended the commissioning ceremony on Friday.