Juan Edghill, a former junior Finance Minister and People’s Progressive Party Parliamentarian is the new Minister of Public Works in the Irfaan Ali Government.
He took the Oath of Office on Wednesday and shortly after recommitted to the PPP’s manifesto promises on its developmental agenda and transformational projects.
That includes easing the burden of commuters from the West Coast and West Bank to the East Bank across the Demerara River with the construction of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge.
The previous David Granger Government had also promised the realisation of such a bridge but over the last five years never managed to commence construction.
A feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River Crossing was completed and is already in place.
Edghill said under his leadership, the Ministry of Public Works which has responsibility for the utility company – Guyana Power and Light – will be looking to provide reliable, renewable and cheap electricity.
“There are lots of other things we are working on and we will not work in isolation,” he said.
Edghill explained that while the Ministry of Public Works is technically a new portfolio for him, his responsibility before as Minister within the Ministry of Finance provided him with day to day contact with the Ministry.
To this end, he believes he will do well to deliver on the promises the PPP made in its manifesto ahead of the 2020 election.
Edghill said he is looking to ensure the realization of converting offshore gas into fuel onshore for industrialization of the country, securing sea and river defences, completion of the Linden/Lethem road and the East Coast bypass road.
He will also be looking at the start and completion of the Corentyne Bridge, opening interior roads and ensuring all interior airstrips are serviceable.
The new Minister said he will be looking to ensure safety on roads.
“This, I take very seriously because we have had too many accidents. So, I will be looking into road and traffic safety and ensuring our walkways are safe,” he added.
Edghill said his Ministry will be on top of guaranteeing that airports provide service of international standards.
