The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government on Friday signed the $US190 million contract and turned the sod with Brazilian company – Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A. – for the construction of the Linden to Mabura road.
The event was hailed as a historic one since this is the largest infrastructural project to ever take place in the country.
This project comprises a US$112 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), a grant of £50 million (US$66 million) from the Government of the United Kingdom via the CDB-administered United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (CIF), along with US$12 million provided by the government.
It is also the largest single project ever financed by the CDB and marks its largest geographic ‘footprint’, the Finance Ministry announced on Friday.
The road will be 121 kilometres long with a 7.2 metres wide carriageway. It will feature a cycle and pedestrian lane measuring two metres wide, along with 10 bus-stops outfitted with ramps for persons with disabilities.
A number of bridges and culverts will be replaced and some 123 lights will also be installed.
It is expected that the development of this all-weather road will bolster trade and commerce to unlock the vast opportunities in linking Guyana with Brazil.
The improved road network will also support ease of travel, the transport of goods, and the provision of services between hinterland communities and Georgetown.
In February last, the CDB issued its no objection for negotiations to commence with the most responsive bidder, Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A. from Brazil being awarded the contract for the upgrading of the road.
According to the Finance Ministry, Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A was established in 1966; the company specialises in the construction of refineries, roads, bridges, commercial offices, residential buildings, highways, and sewage systems worldwide.
“The process leading to the award of the contract followed a stringent and transparent procurement process whereby the call for proposals for the prequalification of contractors was made in February 2021,” the ministry noted via a press release.
It added that 10 contractors were pre-qualified and this list of contractors was approved by the CDB in October 2021.Following this phase, the bidding process began in October 2021 and concluded in December 2021.
“The bids were carefully scrutinised and evaluated by a team of local engineers. After a thorough evaluation process involving engagements and consultations with the Caribbean Development Bank, Consultant Mott MacDonald and other specialists.
“Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A was determined as the most responsive bid indicating full compliance with all Environmental, Social, Health and Safety requirements.
“The CDB indicated its concurrence with the recommendation of the Guyanese evaluation committee and issued it no-objection to commence negotiations with the winning bidder.”
Meanwhile, in delivering the feature address at the ceremony which was held at the Wisroc junction in Region 10, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh re-emphasised that the government continues to work diligently and tirelessly to transform the economic and physical landscape of Guyana.
According to the Finance Minister, the Linden to Mabura road was part of a larger more integrated plan of the PPP/C government which was long in the making and which comprises several transformational projects.
The Linden to Mabura road forms part of the government’s transport infrastructure integrated development plan which includes a new high span bridge across the Demerara River and the bridge across the Corentyne River linking Guyana and Suriname.
Witnessing the contract-signing were British High Commissioner, Jane Miller; Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar who all delivered remarks at the ceremony.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Vladim Persaud; Chief Executive Officer of GO-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop; leaders of Region 10 and officials of the contracting firm were also present.
