THE PPP/C government is currently rolling out crucial components of a strategic infrastructure plan to connect Guyana and neighbouring countries. This plan also includes the development of important road and bridge linkages in rural and urban communities throughout the country.
While many will appreciate the upgraded or new internal road networks, the ones in the hinterland and in border locations are of critical importance, and will reap the most benefits for Guyana.

Good road networks in these communities have many benefits, including easier commute, more tourism opportunities, and a boost in confidence for investors and other key players in the business sector.

It was recently disclosed that a section of the Linden-Mabura Road has been completed. This is a major development for Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and moves the government one step closer towards its goal of improving road connectivity across the country.

The entire 121.2 km roadway is expected to be finished by 2025, and includes the construction of 45 bridges to actual standards along the route. Thirteen of the bridges will be from Mabura Hill to Kurupukari, and 32 from Kurupukari to Lethem, a township located on the Guyana-Brazil border in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
The $US190 million ($G32,501,421,713) that has been dedicated to the project is money well spent, as many have endured unimaginable suffering over the years because of the deplorable state of the road which stretches all the way to Lethem, particularly during the rainy season. There are many Guyanese who are yet to visit the Region Nine township, because of the poor state of the road. Using the road is the cheapest but longest way to get to Lethem.

The government of the day has acted on the matter that has been around for many years, and has listened to the cries of those affected by the state of that road.
The completion of this particular thoroughfare is of crucial importance to Guyana’s economic development and tourism sector. It is also expected to improve cultural and diplomatic relations.

With links to the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, which is set to undergo major rehabilitation works, and the East Bank corridor, the Linden-Mabura Road will improve the connectivity between the coastland and the hinterland, in addition to Guyana and Brazil.

It will open up new areas of trade and economic activity in northern Brazil; it will also be a link to the deep-water harbour, where goods could easily be moved in and out of northern Brazil, which is big news for investors and those that are eager to pursue business ventures in Guyana.
The Linden to Mabura Road will eventually be connected to the Palmyra to Moleson Creek four-lane development, and the much-anticipated bridge that will be constructed across the Corentyne River.

Like Region Ten, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is being well-positioned to benefit from an economic boom. There is a lot of cross-border travel between Guyana and its eastern neighbour, Suriname, and as such, any edifice that will decrease time and make travel or the transport of goods easier will be welcomed.
Once the PPP/C’s infrastructure plan is fully executed, Guyanese will reap many benefits. For many, life will before more enjoyable and fun. There will be an ease in doing business between Guyana and her neighbours, and many Guyanese will be able to visit places they have never dreamt they would one day.
This sort of forward movement must be embraced; all stakeholders must play their part to ensure that Guyana becomes the country that we all want it to be.