Another feasibility study on the construction of a highway between Bon Fim in Brazil and Linden and the restart of construction work on the Takutu River Bridge are among the key infrastructure expansion and modernization initiatives expected this year. And in anticipation of the completion of the bridge government will spend $38m this year on the construction of a multi-purpose complex at Lethem to house immigration, customs, health, police and other services.
The completion of a road link between Guyana and Brazil is widely expected to boost trade between the two countries and to enhance export opportunities for the local agricultural and manufacturing sectors and Finance Minister Ashni Singh told the National Assembly in his Friday February 2 presentation that a contract has already been signed for the completion of the Takutu Bridge.
Government’s 2007 infrastructure rehabilitation and modernization programme will also be focusing on the commencement of the Berbice River bridge and the start of an $8.2m highway between New Amstrerdam and Moleson Creek. “Those projects hold exciting prospects for boosting the country’s development through integration with our South American neighbours, expanding markets and increasing the competitiveness of Guyanese products” the Finance Minister told the National Assembly.
According to Singh a further $3.4b will be spent on improving the integrity of other roads in order to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of goods and people.
Meanwhile the Finance Minister disclosed that other infrastructure and rehabilitation works to be undertaken this year will include rehabilitation work on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri and the commencement of Phase 11 of the Ogle Airport Development Project. He also announced that government is moving to acquire two new roll-on-roll-off ferries next year following which the existing ferries will be retired. Government will also be expending some $400m on the rehabilitation of ferries, acquiring spares and dredging the main rivers this year. Government will also be undertaking the resurfacing of the Demerara River Bridge this year according to the Finance Minister.
