new measures promote transparency in community road contracts
3,500 small contractors benefitted from inclusive gov’t policies in 2024

THE Government of Guyana has allocated $53.2 billion in Budget 2025 to further enhance roads and bridges across communities nationwide. Minister Within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, emphasised the inclusive and equitable approach to the procurement process, rejecting claims of bias in contract awards.
Addressing concerns raised by opposition members regarding diversity in the allocation of contracts, Minister Indar categorically stated, “The procurement process does not see colour; that is not how we operate. In every community that you go to, you can see that the government is building a road for the people of that community. Women’s participation and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds play a crucial role in our country’s development.”

Minister Indar highlighted the government’s achievements, noting that approximately 8,000 community roads have been delivered through collaboration between the ministry’s Special Projects Unit and contracted firms. This widespread development reflects the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in all regions.
He dismissed accusations of favoritism in awarding contracts, describing such claims as baseless. “For those who complain and say only one set of people is getting the work, it is a desperate cry. When they see other folks getting work, especially from the APNU/AFC camp, they are angry for taking the work,” he remarked.

MODEL FOR FAIRNESS
To ensure fairness and transparency, Minister Indar outlined a new model introduced by the government that establishes a fixed rate per metre for community contracts. This approach prevents unhealthy competition that could lead contractors to underbid and operate at a loss.
“With this model, people do not have to outbid each other to a point where they are making no money to get the work done,” he explained. This initiative resulted in the participation of approximately 3,500 small contractors in 2024 alone.

The PPP/C government has consistently prioritised community engagement and economic opportunity. Since taking office in 2020, the administration has worked closely with local communities to design and implement development projects. Minister Indar reiterated the government’s belief in giving all citizens an equal opportunity to improve their lives.
“We have always believed in community participation and will continue to create job opportunities so that people can be meaningfully engaged in the development of Guyana,” he affirmed.
Minister Indar concluded by praising Budget 2025 for its extensive investments across all sectors. “Budget 2025 is bursting with enough investment in every sector to help the people of Guyana,” he stated.

The significant allocation for road and bridge development underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to inclusive progress and sustainable growth, ensuring that every community benefits from improved infrastructure and equitable opportunities.