A plan which includes paving of 454km of the Lethem to Linden roadway and improving its drainage and culverts was presented to the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for possible funding and collaboration yesterday (Monday, January 23, 2017).
According to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, a presentation was made by Junior Minister, Annette Ferguson to Division Manager of Urban Development & Services, Mr. Idrissa Dia.
Minister 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. IdrissaDia, Division Manager of Urban Development & Services, and Mr. WahyuWijayanto, Senior Financial Analyst.
Minister Ferguson said that the Ministry was thankful for the support received by the bank, adding that the bridging of the Hinterland Regions to the Coast has 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.
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 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.
