A country’s road network should be efficient in order to maximise economic and social benefits.

They play a significant role in achieving national development and contributing to the overall performance and social functioning of the community.

It is acknowledged that roads enhance mobility, taking people out of isolation and therefore poverty. In China for instance, the government has popularised this belief by emphasising that for any economy to develop, transport must start off first which will later stimulate other sectors to develop in an orderly fashion.

Therefore, the disclosure by Presidential Adviser Ms. Gail Teixeira that detailed proposals of the long awaited road construction project from Georgetown to Lethem are to be unveiled by June, is certainly welcome news for all Guyanese and even foreigners as well.

“There are two major teams now between Guyana and Brazil, and Venezuela, that have been meeting over the last few months… for the development of the road from Brazil to Georgetown, and in June, what is called the infrastructural team will be reporting to the presidents of the two countries on what are their proposals and designs and other issues,” Teixeira said.
This long awaited road when completed, apart from reducing the travel time between Georgetown and Lethem will also open a new vista of opportunities for trade, investment, business, commerce, tourism and agriculture in Region 9 and even along the route because there will be increased traffic and more people plying the route.
There will also be the need for fuel stations, tyre repair shops, mechanical shops, guest houses, restaurants, etc, along the route. The establishment of these businesses will in turn create employment for a large number of persons. In addition, the road will significantly contribute towards making Guyana the gateway to South America.
Residents in Region 9 will also be able to receive goods and services in a more timely manner at a lower cost.
With respect to agriculture, the road will significantly help to unleash the agricultural potential of Region 9 which has been stifled because of transportation problems.
Region 9, with its large tracts of land, has tremendous scope for cattle rearing, meat production and growing of crops. Already rice is being grown in Moco Moco and the road will create the opportunity for marketing rice and other products from Region 9 on the coast.
The Santa Fe mega farm project, which currently has 120 acres of rice under cultivation and will be reaped next month, will benefit from the road and optimise its potential.
It is expected that by next year, rice cultivation will be increased to 1,000 acres in the area, and eventually to approximately 5,000 acres.
In the longer term, increased investments and business and commerce will lead to increased economic development of Region 9 and poverty reduction through increased employment opportunities and better earnings for the residents of the various communities.
The road will also enhance the already deep ties and trade with our South American giant neighbour Brazil, which will be good for the economies of both countries.
So we all are understandably excited as we await the completion of the road linking Georgetown to Lethem in the shortest possible time.