Public Works Minister Robeson Benn yesterday officially launched the US$34.2M West Coast Demerara road project which aims to increase efficiency and safety along the 30.7km-long stretch of roadway from Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie.
At the official launching of the fourth road project, Benn reiterated that on February 25, 2013 government signed a loan agreement for US$34.2M with the Caribbean Develop-ment Bank to finance the West Coast Demerara Road Improvement project. The project has an estimated total cost of US$46, 789,000 while the total base cost is estimated at US$36.3M. The project is scheduled to be executed over five years starting from 2013, and comprises two implementation agencies partnering for its success.
The development of the West Coast Demerara corridor is critical as it serves an area that boasts the largest housing scheme: the 1000-house lot Tuschen Housing Scheme, several thriving businesses, farming areas and it is the main route for transporting goods and services to the city from the Essequibo Coast and islands. The road works will entail widening the road as well as the construction of a walkway, bicycle path which will complement the construction of the new harbour bridge.
The project includes six combined components that are to be implemented, each having its own estimated source of funds. These are road works, capacity building, engineering services, project management and monitoring and evaluation.
