Govt reconfirmed its commitment to the Linden/Lethem road project
-Brazil Minister of External Relations visits Guyana
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, July 12, 2018
Guyana and Brazil discussed the advancement of the Linden/Lethem road project during a visit by Brazil’s Minister of External Relation, Aloysio Nunes Ferreira, today.
Minister Ferreira’s delegation met with President David Granger before engaging Ministers of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.
Minister Patterson explained the meeting reaffirmed timelines in the Linden/Lethem road project. “One of the main purposes for the visit today is to ensure that it remains a high priority by both governments.”
Guyana is set to award the consultation for evaluation of the first phase of the project. This includes a 122.5km stretch of road between Linden and Mabura Hill (including drainage) and construction of a new single or dual lane fixed bridge across the Essequibo River at the Kurupukari ferry crossing (approximately 600m long).
The government has secured funding from the United Kingdom Government through its UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF).
The consultancy is expected to be in place by October when Guyana and Brazil meet again formally. Minister Patterson explained the Guyana/Brazil working group is expected to complete Terms of Reference for the project by the end of August.
The Linden/Lethem road project is a result of an MOU signed between the Presidents of Guyana and Brazil last year, to develop infrastructure projects. President Granger made an official state visit to Brazil last December.
The Linden/Lethem road creates a vital link to Brazil and improves trade between the neighbouring countries.
Discussions also focused on hemispheric issues, migration, and challenges posed by migration Minister Greenidge said. Attention was also given to moving commodities across the border and other investment protection and enhancement issues.
The meeting also focused on the 50th bilateral anniversary between Guyana and Brazil. Minister Greenidge said Guyana has proposed a visit to the Roraima region and is planning a number of activities to mark the anniversary.
By: Tiffny Rhodius.
Images: Kawise Wishart.