THE series of innovative infrastructure projects under construction will drive economic growth, increase income, provide employment and enhance social welfare, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has said.
In a recent press conference, he highlighted how the government’s ambitious infrastructure plan will not only modernise the country but also boost its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and improve the quality of life across the country.

He explained: “Several projects are being done that would have a different impact on output, that is GDP revenue and income, revenue to the state and then income to people.”
An example is the new Demerara River Bridge, which is expected to come on-stream later this year.

As explained by the Vice President, this bridge, when completed, would have a massive impact on GDP, investment opportunities and, as a result, income.
How? The Vice President explained that because of this bridge, there will be more economic opportunities that were not present before.

He said: “I explained that before, if you build a wharf over in region three or say a fuel depot and you had to move a large truck laden with fuel or a container back across the floating bridge it would be nearly impossible to do so and do it on a continuous basis. With that bridge now, that changes the entire dynamics.”

The fact that the bridge will be toll free and will not retract will also positively impact on the lives of citizens.
The new Demerara River Bridge, which is being constructed by China Railway Construction International Limited under the supervision of the Italian firm Politecnica, is set to become Guyana’s largest public infrastructure project. The US$260 million contract for the bridge was signed in May 2022.

Spanning approximately 2.65 kilometres with a driving surface width of around 23.6 metres, the bridge will feature two carriageways and four lanes. Its design includes a cable-stay structure for the high span, expected to have a vertical clearance of approximately 50 metres above the mean highest watermark. Additionally, the bridge will incorporate cycling lanes and other amenities, ensuring a modern and efficient crossing for motorists and cyclists alike.
He also pointed to the gas-to-energy project, which he said will further add to the economic and social benefits for all.

This highly anticipated project will see a 200-kilometre pipeline bringing gas from the Liza Destiny and the Liza Unity Floating Production fields onshore.
Upon arrival at this West Bank Demerara facility, the pipeline will continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant to be constructed in Wales.

The GtE project, once completed, will have a significant impact on the country’s economy, attracting sustainable investments across various sectors, and creating numerous job opportunities.
The modernisation of the healthcare sector was also highlighted by the Vice President.

He said: “That’s part of our social commitment to people. Might generate some jobs, but it would have, you know, if it’s consistent with our commitment to ensure that every Guyanese would have world class health care, wherever you live.”
Out of the 12 upcoming hospitals, six of them will be replacement facilities.

A new hospital is being constructed by the government in Region Six, specifically at No. 75 Village. The objective of this project is to replace the existing Skeldon Hospital and enhance the range of services available to the community.
Additionally, the construction of new hospitals at Anna Regina, Region Two; De Kinderen, Region Three; Diamond and Enmore, Region Four; Bath, Region Five, and Skeldon Region Six, is in progress.