Govt’s asphalt plant rakes in $173M profit

Government’s Eco 2000 Batch Mix Asphalt Plant at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, is proving to be a lucrative business, raking in over $170 million profit.

The Asphalt Plant only became operational in March 2021 after interventions were made by the PPP/C Administration.

Plant Manager Rory Ramdas during a press conference on Monday disclosed that, “the Asphalt plant has produced in excess of 28,000 tonnes from March to present with a total of $173 million profit.”

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill said when government took office in August 2020, the $644.8 million investment was not in operation. He said getting the asphalt plant functional was of utmost importance to government.

“One of the priorities was to get all of the components in place, the training for the local staff in place and to get this plant operational to service the people of Guyana. It was money that was spent and just sitting there,” the minister said.

“We are happy to report that the plant is operational and has been serving the interest of the people of Guyana,” he further added.

The multi-million-dollar plant produces 160 metric tonnes of asphalt per hour.

Upon taking office, the PPP/C Administration discovered that the asphalt plant lacked the requisite software to function, rendering it inoperable though it was installed two years prior. To ensure that Guyanese get value for money, government hired consultants and sub-contractors from Germany and Mexico to bring the facility up to par.