Works on US$190M Linden-Mabura road to start soon boosting hemispheric connectivity

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has recommitted its support for the completion of the US$190M Linden to Mabura Hill Road upgrade project with Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill announcing on Tuesday that works are expected to start soon.

Edghill is currently visiting the mining town of Linden in Region Ten to inspect ongoing road works and it comes days after CDB President, Dr Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon wrapped up his first official visit to Guyana.

Approximately 121 km of gravel road extending from Linden to Mabura Hill will be upgraded to an asphaltic concrete road. The works will improve the connectivity between Guyana’s hinterland and coastal regions.

With the government already spending some $150 million to upgrade the Linden/Soesdyke Highway this year, Edghill said the upgrades to the road link to Region Nine, which borders Brazil, are a major boast for hemispheric connectivity.

The road will lead to the Takutu Bridge and into Brazil opening linkages to other parts of South America. Edghill said the contract is at the final procurement stage and the government now awaits the CBD’s approval for several companies that have been shortlisted.

Once that approval is granted with the pre-qualification already completed, the companies will be invited to make their price proposals. That is likely by next month.

A Project Management Unit (PMU) is being established to coordinate the various activities within the project.  The key elements of the scope of works include asphaltic concrete surface, two reinforced concrete bridges of approximately span 20m, five reinforced concrete twin box culverts, 17 reinforced concrete minor pipe culverts, and geocell lined drains, and concrete-lined drains.

Apart from this, Edghill said the government was also looking to commence work on the connecting road between Orealla and Kwakwani in Region Ten. The road will be built with financial support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Geology and Mines Commission. Edghill said the intent is to boost quarrying operations.

But millions more will also be spent to upgrade several community streets and other major road linkages in Linden.  Contracts have already been awarded for rehabilitation to roads in Amelia’s Ward, Half-Mile, One Wile, and Wismar.

There is also plans to finally see the transformation of the waterfront area on both the Wismar and McKenzie shores. (Kurt Campbell)