From trail to thoroughfare…
─ deplorable trail transforms into $172M highway
─ M2 road to Yarakita 80% complete
─ part of govt’s vision to connect Port Kaituma to Mabaruma over land
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, September 14, 2019
A single lane trail in Port Kaituma, Region 1 that was appalling with many large potholes is undergoing a complete transformation into a $172M highway, as part of the government’s vision to connect Port Kaituma to Mabaruma via a durable thoroughfare.
This massive project is spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, with International Import and Supplies as the executing contractor. This project is employing a phased approach that will see the full rehabilitation and construction of M2 road to Yarakita.
According to Regional Engineer within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, who has responsibilities for Region 1, John Bart, a large amount of work has been invested into M2 road. “There were several spots they had to scope out and then refill with solid material, then rolled and compacted properly,” Bart explained.
Furthermore, the engineer told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that of the 15km to be done under the project, 9km of the road has already been cleared for the upgrades to proceed. Within that 9km zone, 5km has been capped with laterite.
Since most of the preparatory work has been done, the project is now 80% complete. On the other hand, Bart related that unseasonal rains had been a challenge; reducing the pace of construction. However, works are expected to be finished by October 2019, well before its projected January 2020 deadline.
Under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s work plan, $2Billion has been allotted for hinterland roads as part of Budget 2019. Within the region, the $155M rehabilitation and construction of 700m of Port Kaituma’s road network will soon be finalised as works under that project are also 80% complete. Meanwhile, the $109M rehabilitation of Wanaina to Yarakita’s road network has reached its conclusion.