US$150M loan to be signed for new Wismar Bridge; 1,000 Young Professional houses for Linden – Pres. Ali

The government will on Monday ink a US$150 million loan for the construction of a new four-lane Wismar Bridge and some 1,000 houses in Linden, Region Ten.

President Dr Irfaan Ali made the announcement on Saturday afternoon while speaking at a public meeting held in Linden, just after a similar engagement with residents of Kwakwani, also in Region Ten.

“On Monday…we will be signing the loan for the building of the four-lane bridge…We shall put ink on paper and we shall sign the loan for the Wismar Bridge,” Dr Ali announced, amidst loud screams and applause from the residents.

According to President Ali, funds from the loan will also see the construction of 1,000 young professional houses in the mining town.

And for this project, he said workers will be sourced from within the communities.

“My dear friends of Linden, get ready. Put on your long boots and spade because all of you in the construction sector will have to come forth as we build the 1,000 houses for Linden, for young professionals,” President Ali announced.

“We want the builders to be from Linden, we want the carpenters to be from Linden, we want the masons to be from Linden, we want to be designed and built by Linden with the People’s Progressive Party Civic,” the Head of State announced.

In May 2023, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan A. Al-Marshad, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the Saudi Fund’s Participation in the Financing of Development Projects in Guyana.

The projects include infrastructural development works for the housing sector and the construction of the Wismar Bridge, both totalling US$150M.

Further, President Ali said just last month, a loan was signed for the rehabilitation of Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

Dr Ali said Region Ten will become the transportation and logistics hub to support the mining sector.

“We are on a mission to make every single life better…All of you will flourish under the People’s Progressive Party Civic government,” President Ali said.

“Honour us with your vote and we will honour you with hard work and commitment,” he urged residents ahead of the Local Government Elections set for June 12, 2023.