— Guyana will receive funding for upgrades to Linden-Soesdyke Highway

WITHIN a matter of weeks, the Government of Guyana is expected to secure approval of financing to the tune of US$120M from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for upgrades and repairs to the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

This was disclosed by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, at the commissioning of two new companies in Linden, Region 10, last Friday.

Dr Singh noted that, as the Government continues its quest to improve infrastructure across the country, it is a well-known fact that the Linden-Soesdyke Highway is in dire need of an upgrade.

One would have thought that the previous administration would have taken up such a project during their tenure, he said but pointed out that this was not the case.

The Linden Highway, he noted, is an important artery that connects Georgetown and the East Bank to Region 10 and other interior areas.

“Five years went by and that important artery that connects Linden to the East Bank of Demerara wasn’t fixed,” he said.

It was on that note, the Finance Minister revealed that within a matter of weeks, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration will be securing approval of the relevant financing to conduct upgrade and repair works to the highway.

“I am pleased to tell you that within a matter of weeks, this People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government will be securing approval of financing in excess of US$100 million to upgrade and repair the Linden Soesdyke Highway,” he said.

These works, Dr. Singh noted go beyond just the highway as he mentioned that Government intends to have a fully completed highway to further improve connectivity.

This also forms part of the major infrastructural works taking place in the country, along with the intended development of the major new city, Silica City.

On this score, he said that one should contemplate how much economic activity will be generated in Linden with the completion of the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, the Linden to Lethem Road, and the completion of Silica City.

“When the Linden to Lethem Road is completed, when the upgraded Linden Soesdyke Road is completed, when the upgraded East Bank road is completed and all additional arteries for Silica City is completed, and when Silica City is completed, contemplate for a moment how much economic activity will be generated right here in Linden,” the minister expressed.