PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that the government is working to position itself to begin the reconstruction of the Soesdyke-Linden highway by September 2023.

“Only a month ago, we signed the agreement for the new loan for the Soesdyke-Linden highway, and hopefully by September we will be in a position to have that project started…that is the timeline in which we are working,” the Head of State said at the signing of financing agreements between the Government of Guyana and the Saudi Fund for Development.

In May, Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, and President of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, signed a US$200 million framework agreement for the reconstruction of the Soesdyke-Linden highway.

This project, according to the Ministry of Finance, will see the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 73 kilometres of the highway with two lanes undivided, nine bridges, and six culverts with improved design, quality and standards.

The project also includes ancillary works and road corridor improvements providing essential public administration support, improved connectivity with communities, roadside and other facilities.

Last September, Dr. Singh had indicated that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration was securing approval of financing to upgrade and repair the Soesdyke-Linden highway.

He had emphasised the importance of this highway, and its dire need for an upgrade. The Finance Minister reiterated the PPP/C administration’s policy to improve and maintain the quality of life across the country.

He also touched on the various projects that indicate that, such as the Mandela to Eccles four-lane highway, and the Linden to Mabura project.

“My assurance to you is that you have in [the Administration of] President Ali a central government that is firmly and unwaveringly committed to doing all that we possibly can to continue to improve the lives of the people of Region 10,” Dr. Singh had affirmed.

The Soesdyke-Linden Highway is a 73 kilometres-long, two-lane highway that runs between Soesdyke and Linden in Guyana. The East Bank Public Road connects Soesdyke with Georgetown.
The US$200 million framework agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2023 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group’s Annual Meetings currently underway in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Singh is leading Guyana’s delegation attending those meetings.

Additionally, Minister Singh and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saudi Fund for Development, Mr. Sultan A. AlMarshad, on Monday, signed a US$150 million agreement for critical infrastructural works in Guyana’s housing sector and the construction of the Wismar Bridge in Region 10.