THE design, execution and maintenance of hinterland roads have long been supported by the Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), as the regulatory agency of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, according to subject Minister Robert Persaud. 

He was responding to questions by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), MP Joseph Harmon regarding the proposed “Del Conte” Road project from Parika, Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to Goshen, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice).

The APNU MP inquired about the mechanisms used to declare the road suitable for GGMC funding, and the role of the GGMC, as well as the Ministry of Public Works in the process. He also queried what discussions there were with stakeholders.
Minister Persaud responded by highlighting the dependency of the mining sector on suitable infrastructure, and noted that Government has been working along with relevant stakeholders in exploring projects for the reduction of transportation costs into main mining communities.
He said that all works on the conceptualization and preparation of the various documents, leading to the call for proposals for the project, were guided by the Hinterland Infrastructural Committee (HIC). Persaud reiterated also that in his view the project will undoubtedly enhance access for miners.
He said that the Hinterland Infrastructural Committee (HIC) was established in 2012 and comprises a number of stakeholders namely: the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Forestry Commission, and the Ministry of Public Works.
This Committee, Persaud informed, has been tasked with reviewing and making recommendations for improvements of institutional arrangements for infrastructure management and development in the hinterland region.
Additionally, the Committee will make recommendations for improving operational and procedural arrangements for a national infrastructure plan with specific emphasis on forestry and mining.
The project which will essentially see the reduction of transportation costs comes at a most opportune time considering the fluctuations in gold prices and the need for reduced operational costs, Persaud added.
Mining continues to play a significant role in Guyana’s development and is now the leading exchange earner. While the sector is faced with a number of challenges, one of the key issues continues to be the inability of miners to access the various locations in the shortest and safest possible manner.

PARIKA-GOSHEN ROAD
The Parika to Goshen Road which has been under consideration for many years offers a solution to a major concern of the mining sector. It would also result in the opening up of additional agricultural lands in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). The purpose of this intervention is to increase the productivity and competitiveness of Guyana’s extractive sector.
The Del Conte road will see miners no longer depending solely on the Linden-Mabura Road to access the interior.
President Donald Ramotar in 2013 had announced, in a public address to the nation, the construction of the Parika-Goshen Road.

(By Derwayne Wills)