…multi-million-dollar contracts awarded for hinterland roads

CABINET on Tuesday took note of the award of several multi-million-dollar contracts for the construction and rehabilitation of roads across Guyana.

Director General of the Ministry of The Presidency (MoTP), Joseph Harmon, made the announcement of the contracts during his post-cabinet media briefing on Thursday.
Hunter Street Georgetown, Lethem, Bartica, Mahdia, Mabaruma are among the roads to be upgraded. Harmon noted that Surrey Paving and Ideal Engineering was awarded a contract in excess of $86M, for geometric improvement to Hunter Street, Georgetown.

For years, the residents would have suffered as a result of flooding, due to the low level of the street. However, Harmon said that the geometric improvement includes raising the level of the road above the drains, to prevent flooding, among other things. He said this will hopefully alleviate flooding in the area.

In reacting to the announcement, Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, told the Guyana Chronicle that he is very grateful and happy for the intervention from Central Government to bring Georgetown to the level it has to be. He noted that the residents will be pleased with the developments coming their way, “and this is the way for us to move forward,” he added.

For rehabilitation and construction in the township of Lethem, a contract valued at $209M was awarded to JR Ranch for the construction of road network. Former Mayor of Lethem, Carlton Beckles, said that this investment will be a boost to the town in many ways. “It will enhance the aesthetic of the township. We have moved beyond the quality of roads we would have experienced for decades, and this new development will assist in reducing the dust pollution we get from the red roads; less wear and tear with our vehicles; property value will move up because of improved roads… And we are definitely heading in the right direction… Within four years we would have seen massive investments and improvement. It is definitely progress,” Beckles said.

JR Ranch was also awarded a contract for Mahdia, in excess of $100M. Harley Joseph, a resident of Mahdia, expressed much gratitude for this investment. He said that the town is in dire need of better roads, since they suffer in more ways than one, from the terrible condition. Joseph said that Mahdia will benefit greatly and the government must be applauded.

Bartica too will relish in the improvement of their roads, as A&S General Contracting Services has been awarded over $95M to carry out the project. Mayor Gifford Marshall said that he is very thankful for the government, who continues to pump investments into the town, ensuring that Bartica achieves the title of the ‘Green’ Town to emulate.
He noted that improved roads will add immensely to the boosting of tourism in the town, and will aid in its beautification. Mohamed Ramzan Alli Khan Construction will roll out over $81M in road projects in Mabaruma.

Leomie Willis, a resident of the town, told the Guyana Chronicle that for decades, the people have punished with improper roads, but since the appointment of the coalition government, they would have been experiencing a better life.

The woman said that she is happy to hear that more has been invested into their township and she thanked and congratulated the government of Guyana. In addition to these road contracts, Harmon also announced that a contract was awarded to Smith Warner International Limited of approximately $60M, for consultancy services for the Sea and River Defence Resilience Project.

For Technical Assistance for Consultancy Services Feasibility Study and Designs, Coastal and River Infrastructure Rehabilitation, Harmon noted that the contract was awarded to Mott MacDonald in Association with Caribbean Engineering and Management Consultants (CEMCO) and Rossiprodi Associated (RPA).

This sum increased from Sterling Pounds 610,320 to Sterling Pounds 685,203. In efforts to provide job-readiness and job-placement services, the contract was awarded to specialists in Sustained Youth Development and Research Incorporated, in tune of approximately $79M. And lastly, Harmon disclosed that the Department of Public Information (DPI) was awarded in excess of $18M, for the provision of Advertising Services for the year 2018.