EIGHTY per cent of the roads in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) were upgraded from laterite roads to concrete structures, built to last for decades.
Prior to the completion of the road project, residents had contended with dust pollution and potholes. The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to some of the residents who are benefitting from this infrastructural upgrade.

Lindon Baird, a businessman in Campbelltown, Mahdia, recalled “the previous laterite road was very disgusting; the dust in the dry weather caused a lot of chaos on our rooftops and when it rained it was worse. So, I’m very thankful for this concrete road.”
Another entrepreneur, Feroze Khan, observed that the new road structure is durable and designed to withstand heavy usage. Mahdia is predominantly a mining community and it is quickly transforming. It is also on the verge of receiving its township status.
Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Gavin Gunga, said these new roads are timely and will definitely attract investors, create employment and boost regional development.
“The road work in Mahdia has changed the outlook of [the] community, the residents are very pleased with this development and it fits in line with our vision for development,” he said.

Works on the road commenced in 2015 and were executed in two phases.
Hinterland Engineer Jeffrey Walcott said amidst the challenges, this achievement serves as a motivation to continued development.

“It’s been a project long time in the making and it’s quite a relief to see the results. It has transformed the community. Many persons, in my opinion, could not see the long-term benefit, but a few months into the project, everyone welcomed the change.”

Drains and other internal roads were rehabilitated in the region. Other ongoing projects include the rehabilitation/construction of roads from Mahdia to the Denham Bridge, Eagle Mountain Foot/Stone Hill to Konawaruk Junction (Phase 1) and rehabilitation of Mile 78 to Cassandra Crossing. The sum of $1.5B was allocated in the 2018 budget for road rehabilitation in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10. These projects represent a fulfilment of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s efforts to boost hinterland development.