– millions awarded in contracts for construction of roads, bridges

THE A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government continues to invest heavily in the development of the hinterland regions. When its Cabinet met last Tuesday, it took note of the millions of dollars being pumped into the region for the construction of roads and bridges that are critical for the connecting of communities.

In Region One (Barima-Waini), a number of urban roads will be rehabilitated and or constructed. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during the recently held Post-Cabinet Media Briefing, disclosed that Mohamed Ramzanalli Khan Construction was awarded $90.5M for the construction of compound roads in Mabaruma. It was explained that this forms part of Phase II of the ongoing project in Mabaruma.

Additionally, $59.9M was awarded to International Imports and Supplies for the rehabilitation of the Barabina Swamp Road, also in Region One. The stretch of road from Wanaina to Yarakita Landing will also be rehabilitated, using some $46.3M. That contract, Minister Harmon noted, was also awarded to International Imports and Supplies.
Meanwhile, in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), $75.8M was awarded to R&B Investment Incorporated for the rehabilitation of the Bartica/Potaro Roads. However, Mekdeci Machinery Construction Incorporated was awarded $52.2M for the rehabilitation of the Bartica/Potaro Road in the vicinity of the St. Mary’s Quarry. Mekdeci was also awarded another contract to the tune of $126.080M for the rehabilitation and construction of the Issano Road (Phase II) from White Hill to Issano Landing.

Over in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), H. Nauth and Sons Civil Engineering Contractors were awarded a contract to the tune of $76.6M for the rehabilitation of Lethem’s road network, particularly within the confines of the town.

This year, a number of projects will be executed within the hinterland regions (Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine) aimed at enhancing the way residents live and simultaneously creating opportunities for economic development.

Among the projects in the lineup is the flagship initiative–a Hinterland Green Enterprise Development Centre–which will be constructed at a cost of $200M at Bina Hill Institute in Region Nine.

In the 2018 National and Regional Budget, $70M was allocated to commence construction of the facility which will pave the way for more jobs to be created in the hinterland communities through training.

The establishment of a Lapidary centre is also on the table which is geared at creating employment for youths in Monkey Mountain and nearby villages of Tuseneng, Kurukabaru and Kato.

A ground coffee farming, processing and packaging facility in Santa Rosa, Region One, will also be established to create employment opportunities for approximately 20 farmers and five agro-processors as a sustainable income generating project. The 2018 National Budget also makes provision for ICT programmes for the hinterland which will be used as vehicles through which inequality will be reduced, and will see more than two hundred million dollars allocated for additional initiative.