$14.4 billion has been budgeted to continue the upgrade, expansion and rehabilitation of our network of roads and bridges. The Government is finalizing negotiations with the Government of China for the construction of the East Coast Highway, from Better Hope to Belfield.

In collaboration with the IDB, the Government will, this year, conduct studies and designs for an improved East Coast Railway Embankment Road, entailing the construction of bridges between Sheriff Street and Mahaica; the upgrade of the current embankment road, from Sheriff Street to Enmore; and the extension of the embankment road, from Enmore to Mahaica.

* Over $5.0 billion in the reconstruction of Sheriff Street that will facilitate improved traffic safety features, including pedestrian overhead crossings at strategic locations.

* A US$50 million loan will be signed with the Government of India to construct a new road link between Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara and Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara. The proposed new road will intersect several communities, including Sophia, South and North Ruimveldt, Eccles and Providence, creating an alternative access route to these densely populated areas, expanding business opportunities and opening new lands for housing development.

* $2.3 billion will be spent to upgrade the West Coast Demerara Road, from Parika to Vreed-en-Hoop. The works include widening the corridor and improving road safety features.

* Funds have been allocated for a feasibility study to construct a fixed high-level bridge across the Demerara River.

* $6.72 billion has been allocated for the improvement of hinterland, rural and urban community roads in Bartica, Mahdia, Ituni/Kwakwani, Puruni/Itaballi, Mabaruma and Port Kaituma/Baramita and the Sophia ring road, among others. In collaboration with the IDB, activities will commence to facilitate the complete rehabilitation of the 47 year old Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

*The Government has started preparations to access the UK–Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (CIF), to upgrade and reconstruct several facilities in Georgetown, Parika, Port Kaituma, Kumaka and Bartica, among other areas.

*To avert a potential crisis, the Government will aim to secure funding, through the UK-CIF, to purchase a dredge to be used at the Georgetown port. It is expected that the dredge will be managed and operated in collaboration with Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG).

*In 2016, an amount of $1.3 billion is budgeted for works to commence on the rehabilitation of the Bartica stelling and the goods wharf at Kingston; docking of dredges and ferry vessels; dredging of the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers; and installation and maintenance of navigational aids.

*Works will begin on a phased waterfront development programme over the next 5 years. This investment, estimated to cost over $1.6 billion, will see the development of state-of-the-art waterfront facilities, which will be on par with those in the Caribbean. This development will target Kitty, Kingston, Stabroek, Vreed-en-Hoop, Supenaam and Skeldon. The proposed project will include boardwalks; recreational areas; modernized ramps for ferries and water taxis; and a dockyard for yachts. The initiative will serve as a recreational and tourist attraction, and will create opportunities for small business development.

*$5.2 billion has been made for the continued development of the air services industry, including the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Financing is being pursued to upgrade many hinterland airstrips at Eteringbang, Annai, Paramakatoi, Kurupung, Kato, Kopinang, Monkey Mountain and other locations. The Government is earmarking over $2 billion, in the medium term, for its Airstrips and Aerodromes Improvement Programme.

* Over $6 billion has been budgeted for river and sea defence.