KINGSTON, Georgetown – The 165 kilometer access road to Amaila Falls is 67 percent completed, Minister of Works Hon. Robeson Benn announced to journalists during a site visit on July 23. The road snakes through Regions 10, 7 and 8.
So far, Government has injected US$12M on the laterite surfaced road.
The US$840M Amaila Fall Hydro Power project is one of the country’s transformational projects intended to bring an estimated 160 megawatts of power into the national grid. In essence, Guyanese would have access to cheaper and reliable electricity.
“It is estimated that the Project could see a reduction in electricity rates by as much as 40 percent while the fuel import bill could drop between 20 and 25 percent,” the Minister explained.
But with the combined opposition making every effort to block further progress, the Works Minister lamented that monies and human resources would “all be for nothing”.
“This is the first time in Guyana’s history that a project of this scale [has] come this far…we have everything in place… we are ready to go so it would be a shame and a great reversal of our country’s fortune if we are unable to continue this project,” he pointed out.
In giving an overview to the road’s progress, Hon. Benn disclosed that the complete alignment for the road is finished, while the embankment is still to be completed in section seven – that final part is currently executed by China Rail First Group Company Limited.
Furthermore, a number of bridges are constructed along Section 2(B) of the road, and a technical team is reviewing the critical issue of a crossing at Kuribrong River, where a bridge will be erected. He also noted that there will be a river crossing at the Essequibo River which will also be a Barge crossing as well.
Boosting direct employment
Close to 240 Guyanese including residents living in close proximity to the road have benefited economically, Minister Benn revealed.
“We have young people as engineers, technicians, labourers, equipment operators… a wide range of Guyanese to realize this project and we also have our partners to make this a success. Great benefits will be incurred in the present and the future and we want to hold the door open for discussions so that all Guyanese will get on board.”
The road is expected to be completed by December 31, 2013.
