THE government’s Eco 2000 Batch Mix Asphalt Plant at Garden of Eden, on the East Bank Demerara, is proving to be a lucrative operation, raking in over $173 million in less than a year.

The asphalt plant only became operational in March 2021 after several interventions by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.

Plant Manager, Rory Ramdas, during a press conference on Monday, said: “The asphalt plant has produced in excess of 28,000 tonnes from March to present with a total of $173 million profit.”

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, said when the government was elected to office in August 2020, it discovered that the $644.8 million investment was not in operation.

The government found that the facility lacked the requisite software to function, rendering it inoperable though it was installed two years prior. To ensure that Guyanese receive value for their money, the government hired consultants and sub-contractors from Germany and Mexico to bring the facility up to par.

“One of the priorities was to get all of the components in place, the training for the local staff in place and to get this plant operational to service the people of Guyana. It was money that was spent and just sitting there.

“We are happy to report that the plant is operational and has been serving the interest of the people of Guyana,” Minister Edghill said.

According to reports, the multimillion-dollar plant produces 160 metric tonnes of asphalt per hour. (DPI)