Small contractors in Linden embracing entrepreneurship

A new era of opportunity has begun for small contractors in Linden, Region Ten, who have used government fixed-rate road contracts to launch and expand their businesses.

This has enabled some contractors to support their families, pursue education, and open retail shops and gymnasiums.

Fixed-rate projects involve an agreed price set before work begins, a model particularly effective when the project scope is clearly defined.

Launched by the government last October, this initiative is already making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Linden’s Shaquille Alexander used the opportunity to establish a gymnasium, which not only benefits himself and his family but also the entire community.

“Coming from an extended family, having been awarded the contract for the first time, it was very good for me, it improved a lot of things in my life,” Alexander told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday.

Alexander, who went from a gym instructor to a gym owner, said he is getting to work with people and take care of his family.
The initiative extends beyond employment, empowering young people, single parents, and struggling families with a genuine opportunity to thrive, succeed, and build something of their own.

Single mother Latoya Bonus also saw her life and that of her children transformed after receiving a government fixed-rate road contract.

“When I got my first contract, I was very happy because at that time I was in it. From my first contract to now, I have evolved a great lot pertaining to my kids, my business, and everything. I have grown,” she said.

Bonus also expressed her appreciation to the government for this project, which she said has a powerful impact on single mothers like herself, who may need a start or a helping hand.

“He [the President] is putting smiles on a lot of women’s faces, feeding a lot of mouths, and likewise making a lot of children happy,” Bonus said.

Samuel Grey, a young resident, was able to see his goals become a reality after obtaining a contract.

“Besides learning a lot about doing contractual work, it came in handy financially. A lot of projects that I wanted to do were done through my obtaining one of these contracts,” Grey said.

He expressed hope that the government would continue this initiative, especially since the impact it is having is visible throughout Linden, particularly among the younger generation.

Beyond paving the way for financial freedom, fixed-rate road projects eliminate the need for small contractors to navigate complex tendering processes. This eases the burden on those who often struggle to predict final costs and secure fair opportunities.

Ultimately, this intervention underscores how well-executed government policies can unlock opportunities, lift families out of hardship, and transform lives. (DPI)

Latoya Bonus (DPI photo)

 

Shaquille Alexander (DPI photo)

Completion of Mabura leg of Linden-Lethem Road pushed back to year- end

The construction of the Linden to Lethem roadway is continuing, with works on the Linden to Mabura stretch expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The project is being executed by Brazilian company Alya Construction, which recently acquired a “first- of- its- kind” Caterpillar RM400 Road Reclaimer from MACORP to aid in construction works.

The  equipment was commissioned at 58 KM Mabura a week ago.

The first leg of the project, which commenced in 2022, caters for the paving of the 121 kilometres stretch from Linden to Mabura Hill, at a cost of US $190 million.

This part of the project was initially expected to wrap up by mid- 2025; however, work has been pushed back to end of year, according to information from Alya Construction.

Production Manager at Alya Construction, Julio Aguilera said the project was pushed back to November due to numerous challenges.

“We are right now on a time extension of the project… I think we have up to November of this year. I think there will be a little extension more due to rain and other issues…probably this year is our plan to conclude,” he indicated.

The Caterpillar RM400 Road Reclaimer is expected to greatly assist in getting the project completed on time, according to Senior Training Consultant- Caterpillar Paving Products, James DeLong.

“I travelled the world, I commissioned these sort of machines for our dealers, supporting our customers. My first trip to Guyana and everyone has made me feel so welcomed and I appreciate that… I wish this machine the best…[There is a] very good operator, [who] understands how to run the equipment, and I feel confidently that this machine will do well for their purpose,” he said.

In the meantime, work is also ongoing on other sections of the Linden to Lethem Highway.

Upon completion, the Linden to Lethem Road is expected to create and expand major productive avenues between Guyana and Brazil.

Residents, particularly in Linden and Mabura, as well as the rest of Guyana, are set to benefit tremendously from economic opportunities when the roadway opens.