THE MINISTRY of Public Works has allocated $120 million for road works in two communities in Wakenaam, Essequibo Islands, Region Three, according to subject minister Deodat Indar.
During a visit to the community on Saturday, Minister Indar indicated that the government has committed to constructing one kilometre of new concrete road from Maria Johanna to Ridge to the tune of $60 million, and another one kilometre of road from Meer Zorg to Zeelandia for an additional $60 million.

According to Indar, for years, residents on the island have unavoidably traversed near impassable roads which have outlived their time. He stated that not only is the existing infrastructure in those two communities deplorable, but it is also ancient and much unlike the modern, asphalted roads found in other parts of the island.
Minister Indar disclosed that the project is currently at the bidding stage and this is expected to be completed within two weeks time; the road works should be completed by the end of this year.

The two communities have a collective five kilometres of road which are in a “deplorable” state, according to Minister Indar; it would take some $300 million dollars to complete all the roads, but according to the minister, the government has put a strategic plan in place to ensure that the works are done in phases.
“We know these roads had to be done, so we budgeted for it [sic] to be done in the supplemental budget when we went to Parliament, because we understand the plight the residents are facing and we intend to do our best to alleviate it and to provide them with some comfort. From the studies we conducted, each kilometre of road is $60 million, so we have to phase this project for now, but we intend to have the entire stretch of road done,” Minister Indar said.

He stated that the new concrete roads are also being constructed as a way to modernise the infrastructure and provide a more accessible commute across the island. He said the impending work will significantly improve the standard of living of residents who reside in the targeted communities.
Further, the Public Works Minister highlighted that the upgrades to the road networks will also provide opportunities for improved commerce and innovation across the island. He explained that new roads will provide a smoother journey for business people to move their produce and products to and from the island, thus decreasing the transportation cost while increasing the opportunity for business.