Tag: road

New connector road to link Providence to Ogle–Eccles Highway

Posted on by Aliyah Persaud

The government is exploring the most efficient route for a new connector road linking Providence on the East Bank corridor to the Ogle–Eccles Highway, aiming to minimise commuter disruption and delays.

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill announced the plans on Wednesday during a site visit to a roundabout under construction, which will connect the access road from the New Demerara River Bridge to the Heroes Highway.

He was joined by Minister of Housing Collin Croal, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj, and engineers and contractors from both ministries. Minister Edghill said the Heroes Highway roundabout will be completed shortly, ensuring smoother access to the new bridge.

“What has been happening at the backlands that people don’t see is that from where the road from Ogles to Eccles was built – it stopped – we are continuing the road to Providence so that there can be a seamless connection from that highway to this highway,” Edghill said.

He added: “What we are examining right now is the alignment from the back to come up to the front, which is about two kilometres between Heroes Highway and that road.”

The public works minister also noted that the government is examining the alignment for the roughly two-kilometre stretch needed to link Heroes Highway to the Ogle–Eccles Road. There will be three connector roads between Ogle-Eccles Road and Heroes Highway, including one at Aubrey Barker, which is coming online soon.

Minister Croal highlighted that the government’s priority is expanding road networks while limiting disruption to residents. “…Because of the expansion work that is taking place, you will have the likelihood of running through communities and the desirable outcome that we would like to have is to have the least disruption for the residents and to look at the best possible route…” Croal said. He added, “As time goes by, we will certainly inform and engage those persons who may be affected, if they are.”

The site visit is part of the government’s broader infrastructural development agenda to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity for residents and businesses. (DPI)

Widow appeals for removal of stray animals from roads

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Janette Naidoo, 49, the wife of Daniel Gaindalall, 28, is appealing to the authorities to remove stray animals from the roads following the death of her husband on Tuesday.
Gaindalall, who was riding his motorcycle at the time, lost his life after he collided with a pig on the Allness Public Road, Corentyne. He was returning to his Corentyne home after visiting his brother in Black Bush Polder when the pig, according to reports, suddenly ran across the road.
A grieving Naidoo told Ignite News that she spoke to her husband shortly before the accident.
“He said coming right now up to now me still waiting for he. Then my daughter called and said she heard he had an accident at Alness Public Road. By the time I reached the hospital, he was taking his last breath.”
Naidoo described her husband as a quiet, loving man who was adored by everyone in their community. She also made a heartfelt plea for action to remove stray animals from public roads.
“These animals cause too many accidents. Even after the crash, there were still pigs on the road this morning. Something needs to be done.”
Gaindalall was pronounced dead at the Port Mourant Hospital. A post-mortem examination is expected to determine the extent of his injuries.

Rise in road fatalities sparks renewed calls for behavioural change

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

A troubling rise in road fatalities has reignited national urgency, as government officials, law enforcement, international partners, and civil society gathered for the 2025 National Road Safety Stakeholders Forum, held this morning at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe in Eve Leary.

The forum, which was held under the theme “Do the Right Thing”, was hosted by the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC).

It saw officials recommitting to road safety, as updated statistics revealed a six per cent increase in road deaths so far this year, with 70 lives lost in total.

There has also been a 20 per cent spike in fatal accidents, now totalling 66, while serious, minor, and damage-related accident rates declined. According to the statistics, 166 serious accidents (down seven per cent) were recorded, 235 minor accidents (down four per cent), 428 damage accidents (down three per cent), and two child deaths (a 50 per cent decline).

Speaking at the event, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn stressed the need for society to be more proactive on the issue of road safety, especially since Guyana’s infrastructure is rapidly advancing, noting that this means nothing if there are no behavioural changes.

“The biggest challenge is of course, human–drunk driving, speeding, impaired driving–perhaps by drugs, texting or worse while driving, tinting up the vehicle to the point where you can’t make eye contact with the other persons on the road,” he stressed.

“We have to have a highly motivated activist approach in respect of road safety. We have to put a lot of effort into it. There has to be a cultural change in the way we interact with the police…We must not wait for the statistics to become a name we recognise or a funeral we attend,” he continued.

The event also saw the launch of the Secure Eye mobile application — a real-time, GPS-enabled platform that empowers citizens to report crime, reckless driving, and other safety threats anonymously and directly to law enforcement.

Representatives of the Road Safety Implementation Board (RSIB), including Greg Quinn and Michelle King, outlined seven national project plans currently in development, which include: Deter and Detect, Data-Driven Road Safety, The National Conversation, Road Infrastructure Enhancements, Clinical Response and Trauma Support, Education Campaigns, and Youth and Community Involvement.

International partners, including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and PAHO/WHO, also lent their voices to the call for reform.

Lorena Solorzano Salazar of the IDB and Katy Thompson of UNDP emphasised that road safety is not just a transport issue but a public health, development, and social equity issue.

Speaking on behalf of PAHO/WHO, Dr Natasha Sobers-Grannum presented the long-term mental, physical, and economic toll road accidents impose, especially on vulnerable populations.

Edghill issues ultimatum to Kwakwani road contractors

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill has issued a one-week ultimatum to two contractors responsible for concrete roadworks in Kwakwani, Region 10, warning that failure to complete the projects will result in the termination of their contracts.

Speaking during a community engagement in Kwakwani on Tuesday, Minister Edghill expressed frustration over the delays, noting that the roads were initially scheduled for completion by 31 March.

“We are now in April, so we’ve got to get on with it. If within one week we don’t see action—where there is clear paving and completion in sight—the contracts will be terminated and handed over to contractors willing to get the job done,” the Public Works Minister said.

Minister Edghill acknowledged previous disputes between the contractors and the concrete supplier over pricing, but stated that the matter has since been resolved.

 

The supplier has been directed to cap the price at $60,000 per cubic yard.

“I have told the supplier, if you have to work night and day, get the concrete delivered. We have to deliver these roads,” Minister Edghill stated.

The minister also addressed a flyer circulating on social media, in which the Opposition promised to construct a new hospital in Kwakwani if elected.

Minister Edghill rejected the claim, stating that the hospital is already undergoing expansion and rehabilitation.

“They [the Opposition] obviously did not come to Kwakwani or were not properly informed of what is happening here,” he said. “Right now, the hospital at Kwakwani is being extended, rehabilitated and improved.”

He also dismissed a proposal mentioned in the flyer to build a road from Mabura Hill to Mahdia, calling it “geographically misguided.”

“It is clear that they don’t know where Kwakwani is, where Mabura Hill is, or where Mahdia is—and those are the kinds of people who want to become President and run a country when they don’t even know where Kwakwani is,” he remarked.

In contrast, Edghill announced plans by the government to construct an asphalt road from Linden to Kwakwani, similar to the ongoing Linden–Lethem project.

“We have done all the internal roads, and you know that when we say something, we are going to do it. So, we are not making false promises to get your vote,” he said. (DPI)

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill engaging residents of Kwakwani (DPI photo)

 

 

 

 

 

$650 million Port Kaituma Road projects near completion

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

A total of 24 road projects, valued at $650.5 million, are currently underway in Port Kaituma, Region One.

These roads are being upgraded from dirt surfaces to concrete to improve durability and accessibility. The projects are now 90 per cent complete and advancing steadily, following the awarding of contracts last November.

The Ministry of Public Works announced on Monday that the work is expected to be fully completed within a few weeks.

The 2.7-kilometre road project will enhance connectivity within the region by linking neighbouring communities.

A key aspect of the initiative is the employment opportunities it has created for small, community-based contractors and residents. Additionally, a concrete supplier from the region was hired.

Areas being upgraded include Telegraph Hill Road, Ranch Road, and the Teacher’s Quarters Road. Work is also being carried out on the thoroughfare around the playfield to the main road, as well as the routes connecting the Catwalk to the power station and the Kaituma Hospital to the community.

Other roads being prioritised include School Road to the playground behind the dorm and the playground road to Jongay’s property. Further upgrades are also being carried out on the secondary school compound road and culvert.

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure that enhances residents’ living standards and travel experiences. He gave this assurance during a recent site inspection of road projects across the Barima-Waini region. (DPI)

New four-lane highway for Essequibo Coast

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The Essequibo Coast’s main thoroughfare will be upgraded to a four-lane highway as part of the government’s ongoing infrastructure development in Region Two.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the announcement on Wednesday while commissioning the new $447 million Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority building.

He said the highway’s design will be finalised before the end of the year to accommodate the region’s growing traffic demands.

“While in these five years we focused heavily on community roads and community infrastructure, one of the plans and programmes that we have to commence before the end of this year is the design and rebuilding of this highway into a four-lane highway,” the president revealed.

In addition to a new ferry service, rice farmers will receive critical support from the Ministry of Agriculture to venture into the cultivation of high-value crops. This will allow farmers to earn additional income to sustain their livelihoods, President Ali explained.

This will be complemented by the development of a modern port at Charity, opening direct trade opportunities with the Caribbean and beyond.

“We will invest in a cold-freeze value chain storage for crops, for agro-processing, for packaging, and of course, specialised storage facilities will be part of that development to support our farmers in Essequibo and the Pomeroon,” he said.

The coconut industry in Region Two will also see expansion, along with enhancements to drainage and irrigation systems. To further reduce costs for farmers, the government is exploring the use of commercial drones for fertiliser and chemical application.

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce will develop a special marketing plan to capitalise on the region’s growing tourism and hospitality sector.

This will be further supported by the second ferry that will operate on the Parika to Essequibo route, President Ali disclosed.

The region will continue to benefit from access to clean, treated water as part of the government’s efforts to expand treated water access by 90 per cent along the coast.

Meanwhile, President Ali highlighted that the Pomeroon-Supenaam region has received an injection of over $100 billion since 2020 across several sectors, including health, education, sport, and infrastructure.

Currently, a $6.6 billion modern hospital is being constructed in Lima, along with a state-of-the-art stadium at Anna Regina.(DPI)

Highway from Wales to Timehri on horizon

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The government plans to develop a highway from the new Demerara River Bridge, connecting Wales, Bartica, and ultimately Timehri on the East Bank of Demerara, to drive infrastructure and economic growth.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the announcement on Sunday at the commissioning of the state-of-the-art $1.35 billion Wales Water Treatment Plant.
He stated that while opposition operatives continue to score cheap political points, “We are plotting the next phase of the new highway that will come from the new bridge to Wales, then to the Del Conte route… connecting Bartica, bringing the road back onto Sandhills and taking it to Timehri.”
This single infrastructure project will open up tens of thousands of acres of land for farming activities and new housing schemes, creating new opportunities for residents.
The Parika port facility is an additional project that will enable farmers to export their produce directly to the Caribbean and further afield.
President Ali also highlighted that a second power plant will be developed to transform Region Three into a modern industrial manufacturing hub. This will create thousands of jobs by fostering new industries within the region.
The US$260 million new Demerara River Bridge will support all these developments.
“You, the children of the future, what lies ahead of you is an incredible story. What lies ahead of you is a country of untold bounties and prosperity… You have an immense responsibility ahead of you to safeguard this hard work, these sacrifices, so that you too will leave a tomorrow that you are proud of,” the head of state said.
The new river bridge, the first of its kind in South America, will be designed to accommodate vehicles of all sizes and weights.
Once completed, the bridge will connect Regions Three and Four and play a crucial role in advancing Guyana’s development. (DPI)

Ogle-Eccles Road project nears completion 

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Traffic congestion will soon be a thing of the past for commuters travelling between the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, as construction of the US$106.4 million Ogle to Eccles Road project enters its final stages.

 

Approximately 70 per cent of the double bituminous surface has already been paved. A double bituminous surface treatment (DBST) involves applying two layers of asphalt binder and aggregate to reinforce the road’s surface, enhancing durability and water resistance.

 

Ministry of Public Works’ Technical Services Manager, Nigel Erskine, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Wednesday that paving work began a few days ago and will be completed shortly.

 

“We anticipate that within five days, this stretch up to the East Coast of Demerara highway will be completed,” he said during a site inspection.

 

Erskine noted that the project has faced several setbacks, including delayed relocation of utilities in populated areas, shipping delays for construction materials, and land acquisition issues surrounding the planned roundabout at the Ogle Railway Embankment junction. Adjustments were also made to divert the Ogle main canal.

 

Despite these hurdles, Erskine commended contractor Ashoka Buildcon Limited for its performance, emphasising that the road project will be completed within a few weeks.

 

The contractor has already constructed 23 box culverts, six pipe culverts, eight minor bridges, and a major bridge over the Lamaha Canal, all of which will support drainage and enhance the structural integrity of the 11.5-kilometer highway.

 

Once completed, the four-lane highway will feature 3.6-meter-wide lanes, with a central median ranging from four to 40 meters in width.

 

It will connect the East Coast public road and the Ogle public road via intersections and extend 7.8 kilometers south before linking to Heroes Highway.

 

Ashoka Buildcon’s Project Manager, Ramachan Dar, stated that his team is fully mobilised and working day and night to finalise the project.(DPI)

$200M for farm roads in Mahaica, surrounding areas

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has announced that over $200 million has been allocated for the construction of farm-to-market roads in the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Scheme.

The minister made the disclosure during a recent meeting with farmers and residents, where he discussed several agricultural development projects set to be implemented.

He highlighted that over the past four years, the government has been investing in critical infrastructure to develop the agriculture sector. This year, more major investments will be made to enhance drainage and irrigation infrastructure in vulnerable areas.

Minister Mustapha also noted that the government will procure 40 new pumps this year, which will be installed in vulnerable areas to assist with improving drainage. Additionally, the construction of farm-to-market roads will continue.

In an interview with Ignite News, the minister emphasised that the construction of farm-to-market roads is a continuation of a process already underway in various parts of the country.

“We have already completed a number of these roads in the community. This work will continue, not only in Mahaica/Mahaicony but across other parts of the country. We are now upgrading many of these roads. I will work with the communities to identify the priority roads in these areas. My technical team has already started designing them,” Minister Mustapha stated.

He further mentioned that roads in areas like the Essequibo Coast will also be targeted.

Regarding the procurement of pumps, the minister confirmed that the process has already started and expects them to be supplied by year-end, benefiting numerous areas across the country.