Ministry signs $5.57b in roads, bridges contracts

Minister Juan Edghill (fourth from left) along with contract awardees yesterday. (DPI photo)
Minister Juan Edghill (fourth from left) along with contract awardees yesterday. (DPI photo)

The Ministry of Public Works yesterday signed contracts totalling $5.57 billion to construct and upgrade roads and bridges in the hinterland and communities on the coast.

In a press statement, the ministry said that several contracts were signed for the upgrade of 32 bridges between Kurupukari and Lethem for $3.19 billion and $1.5 billion for hinterland roads.

Additionally $740.1 million in contracts was also signed for farm-to-market roads, and $139.1 million for the upgrading of bridges on the coast.

The contracts were awarded through an Open Tender Process.

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, who was present at the signing event, encouraged contractors to utilize skills and labour from the communities in which they will be carrying out works. He also noted that contractors need to communicate and cooperate with one another as works are divided into lots that become interconnected.