Govt continues towards enhancing road networks in Hinterland
─ 30% budget spent thus far
─ improving hinterland corridors top on agenda
DPI, Guyana, Monday, May 13, 2019
The Coalition Government seeks to reduce the inequalities that exist between the coast and the hinterland regions, as many projects are underway to better enhance the roadwork of interior locations.
Hinterland Engineer within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jeffrey Walcott.
“We are not focusing on a single infrastructure. We are looking at improving the entire corridor in a phased approach”, indicated Hinterland Engineer within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jeffrey Walcott
The ministry remains centred on the development of the hinterland corridors, and as a result, it is currently executing phases two and three of projects that initially began in 2018. “All of the contracts have been signed… including projects that fall in the hinterland and urban areas,” Walcott relayed.
Moreover, the Public Infrastructure Ministry has successfully completed the Port Kaituma to Baramita road which currently facilitates the movement of goods and other supplies into the regions by vehicular traffic.
“We are currently working on connecting Port Kaituma to Yarkita and Mabaruma to Yarkita”, Walcott added.
The Bartica to Mahdia corridor is also being improved with the Bartica to Potaro road under construction. This road is in its fourth phase, with two additional links awaiting completion.
Despite the minor setbacks expected during the rainy season, Walcott highlighted the ministry’s forward drive with its work plan. “We have a new set of projects coming on stream, so our focus right now is getting those up and running.”
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure secured a $2B budgetary allocation for infrastructural development of Region 1, Barima-Waini, Region 7, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Region 8, Potaro-Siparuni, Region 9, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo and Region 10, Upper Demerara-Berbice. Under the Hinterland Engineer’s leadership, attention is focused primarily on phase three projects for 2019, as 30 per cent of the budget has been spent thus far.
Shaquille Bourne.
Image: Ameer Sattaur.