(KINGSTON) The Ministry of Public Infrastructure yesterday, January 23, 2017, delivered a presentation to the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for possible funding and collaboration for the construction of the Guyana-Brazil Road Development Project.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Hon. Annette Ferguson, led the Ministry team, which included Mr. Geoffrey Vaughn, Chief Works Officer; Mr. Patrick Thompson, Chief Planning and Transport Officer; Mr. Kester Hinds, Senior Project Engineer; and Mr. Balraj Balram Permanent Secretary.
The IsDB was represented by Mr. Idrissa Dia, Division Manager of Urban Development & Services, and Mr. Wahyu Wijayanto, Senior Financial Analyst.
Before the commencement of the presentation, Minister Ferguson said that the Ministry was thankful for the support received by ISDB in realising Guyana’s projects, particularly the Linden-Lethem corridor.
She added that the bridging of the Hinterland Regions to the Coast had significant benefits, including socioeconomic impacts.
In response, Mr. Dia indicated that IsDB was more than happy to demonstrate its support to Guyana. He further said that the partnership could open doors for Guyana to parts of the world where relationships were previously unforged, including with African, South Asian, and East Asian nations.
“This type of partnership can really open Guyana in terms of economic development, technical expertise, human resources, and exposure to other parts of the world. So, we are very happy to invest where possible,” Mr. Dia said.
He also identified other possible areas of collaboration, including within the transport and energy sectors.
Meanwhile, the formal presentation was delivered by Mr. Vaughn who highlighted key components of the project. In his presentation, he noted that, while a road currently exists between Guyana and Brazil, its current standard was less than satisfactory. He further shared that the works of the project would include 454km of paving from Lethem to Linden since only about 33% is currently paved. Other works would include improved drainage through the upgrade of approximately 130 culverts along the identified stretch of road.
He stressed the importance of linking the Hinterlands to the Coastland and added that economic benefits for Brazil were also taken into consideration. He said too that the project would lead to a significant decrease in travelling time between Linden and Lethem.
Following the presentation, the IsDB shared their positive impression of the project and raised their queries. They also shared their recommendations and said that the proposal thus far is more than adequate.
Another team from IsDB is expected to return to Guyana for further analysis of the project. Minister Ferguson expressed hope for a positive outcome following future deliberations.
