Linden/Mabura road project to get another 110-kilometre of paved road for Rodeo

Another 110-kilometre stretch of the transformative Linden to Mabura road project is expected to be paved in time for the highly anticipated Lethem Rodeo in April.

The critical road network, which serves more than 50,000 Guyanese transporting goods from the coast to hinterland communities, is currently 65 per cent complete.

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill met with the contractor, Álya Construtora, and team on Wednesday to assess progress, address challenges and chart the way forward to ensure completion within the revised deadline of August 23, 2026.

“I got the assurance that the project for 2026 will not reopen in February; it will reopen in January. There will be teams to match or even improve on all of October’s production, which was the best month in the cycle of the project. I want the assurance that everything is running smoothly and we are not delaying,” said Minister Eghill.

While the overall progress of the project stands at 65 per cent, grading and grubbing works are 100 per cent completed.

To date, 73 per cent of the sub-base has been completed, accounting for 88 kilometres, while 86 kilometres of base, 85 kilometres of binder and 70 kilometres of weld have been completed.

The contractor has committed to executing 110 kilometres of continuous paving ahead of the Lethem Rodeo.

“We are going to the Rodeo on the 1st and 2nd of April, and I want the 110-kilometre ready. Besides getting this road finished by August 23, 2026, is ensuring that while we do it, we leave a good taste in the mouth of the Guyanese,” Minister Edghill said.

In an effort to ensure the project is completed within the scheduled timeline, the contractor has employed an additional 100 workers, adding to the chorus of approximately 800 workers that are currently employed.

To this end, Minister Edghill raised concerns relating to the treatment of local employees, calling for improved labour relations and transparent communication on the project.

“I want to hear better testimonies and treatment from them [local workers] …Let’s have improved relationship and communication…and get this project moving,” he said.

The historic project signed in 2023 forms part of the government’s strategic plan to strengthen connectivity between the coast and hinterland, while advancing regional integration through a future link with Brazil.

It will also connect to the planned deep-water harbour in Berbice facilitating the movement of goods and services between Guyana and northern Brazil.