ROAD builders in Berbice now have an alternative in their field with the commissioning of a $100M asphalt plant at Tarlogie Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

The multi-million-dollar computerised facility is owned by Peter Lewis of the Associated Construction Services (ACS), and has the potential to produce 60 tonnes of asphalt per hour.
Employees of ACS have received technical training from Indian engineers to operate the VINAYAK equipment which was made in India and to date 800 tonnes of asphalt have already been processed.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Saturday evening, Minister within the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill stated that such an investment makes the entire nation proud.
“When we look at a venture like this, it fits within the context of Guyana’s developmental plan,” he said.
“This signals that the Lewis family consists of visionaries who are seeing where the government is taking Guyana.”
Minister Edghill highlighted the importance of such a facility in Berbice and commended the entrepreneur for making that type of investment.
“On behalf of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration, I want to extend congratulations to the Associated Construction Services for embarking on this venture,” he said.
ASPHALT PLANT IN BERBICE
Minister of Public Works and Transport Robeson Benn also graced the occasion and echoed the sentiments of his cabinet colleague when he described the initiative as a bold step towards progress.

“Having finished the (resurfacing of) road from New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek, we have to do maintenance and, we recognise the need for an asphalt plant in Berbice,” he informed.
Minister Benn said that the investment is a timely one and added: “We all know that asphaltic roads are more durable …. we (the government) welcome this venture and wish Mr. Lewis all the best as he continues to expand his business.”
Meanwhile Vice-chairman of East Berbice/Corentyne (Region 6) Bhupaul Jhangroo in his address noted that the cost of bitumin and acquisition of stone are major setbacks in road construction across the region.
“The absence of such a facility was hindering our road building project …. this investment is a timely one and we at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) will (now) pursue to construct asphaltic roads (in East Berbice),” he said.

INVESTOR CLIMATE
Over the years, the Government of Guyana has been moving in the direction of improving the quality of roads and with the introduction of the asphalt plant, entrepreneurs are encouraged to embark on new projects.
Joseph Lewis, brother of Peter Lewis, told the gathering: “Irrespective of what is being pedaled by the naysayers and doomsayers, the PPP/C is doing a lot for the business sector by providing a conducive environment for investors.”
He also made a pledge on behalf of ACS to provide quality products and service to contractors and the wider community, while promising to increase their production to 120 tonnes of asphalt per hour.
Among those in attendance at the commissioning ceremony were PPP/C Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha, Member of Parliament (MP) Faizal Jaffarally; PPP/C activists, contractors and special invitees.
Written By Michael Khan