The government has committed billions to upgrade hundreds of fixed-rate concrete roads across Region Six, with all projects scheduled for completion by March 31, 2025. Minister of Public Works, Hon. Juan Edghill, on Friday inspected more than 30 of these road projects spanning from Plegt Anker on the East Bank of Berbice to Glasgow Housing Scheme, Angoy’s Avenue in New Amsterdam, along the Corentyne Coast to Crabwood Creek, and the four polders in Black Bush, where several roads have already been completed while others are in progress.
During his visit, Minister Edghill engaged with contractors and residents, reminding them that the deadline for all projects remains unchanged. While inspecting road works at Plegt Anker, he noted that four contracts were awarded for road upgrades, each covering 750 meters. Two of these projects have been completed, while work continues on the remaining sections. Another 750-meter segment has been prepared for paving, and an additional 1.5 kilometers is currently being developed. In total, the ongoing works in Plegt Anker are valued at nearly $400 million.
After assessing projects in Angoy’s Avenue, Glasgow, and Islington, Minister Edghill reaffirmed the government’s dedication to infrastructure development in the region. He emphasized that Angoy’s Avenue, commonly known as “Cow Dam,” was among the first areas prioritized for road rehabilitation when the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration took office in 2020.
“We have already completed significant works, and right now, over $300 million worth of projects spanning 15 different roads are underway. In total, 549 fixed-rate concrete road projects have been approved for Region Six, and all must be completed by the end of March,” he stated.
The minister also noted that one of the challenges slowing progress is the need to remove Guyana Power and Light (GPL) utility poles obstructing roadworks, an issue he assured would be swiftly addressed.
“We are committed to uplifting communities across Guyana. Just as we transformed Crabwood Creek, Little India, Little Africa, and Black Bush, we are ensuring that Angoy’s Avenue and other communities receive the development they deserve. The PPP/C government is about bringing satisfaction to the people,” Minister Edghill affirmed.
While in Black Bush Polder, Minister Edghill underscored the significant investments being made in the area. He reported that 176 contracts were awarded for road works across 176 lots, with a total value exceeding $2 billion. Many of these roads, he said, had deteriorated over the years due to neglect, as residents reported that no major road maintenance was done in the five years before the PPP/C government returned to office. He explained that more than 50% of the projects in Black Bush Polder have already been completed and urged contractors to accelerate implementation to meet the March 31 deadline.
“These contracts were designed to be completed within three to four months. While we understand that some were issued in late December, we must ensure they are done by March 31,” he stressed.
Minister Edghill also pointed out that after the roads are completed, attention will be placed on upgrading the bridges in Black Bush Polder, most of which are wooden and require frequent repairs.
“Once you’re finished with the roads, the obvious thing that will have to happen is to put in proper bridges, because most of the bridges, if not all of the bridges in Black Bush Polder, are wooden. You have to keep rebuilding them every five or six years,” he explained, urging residents to be patient as the government works to improve infrastructure in their communities.
Several residents expressed appreciation for the ongoing road upgrades, including A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Councillor Sharon Smith, who serves as Chairperson of the Hogstye-Lancaster Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). Smith, speaking at Lancaster, Corentyne, thanked the government on behalf of the NDC and residents, noting that previously impassable mud dams have now been transformed into paved streets, making daily commutes, especially for schoolchildren, much safer.
“There were areas where we had mud dams, and with this project, we now see these roads being upgraded to paved streets. This will especially benefit children going to school, making their journey safer,” she said.
A resident of Whim also expressed gratitude for the road upgrades in his community, particularly the improvements near the temple entrance. He noted that residents had previously reached out to the minister to request this project and were pleased to see the work materializing. Similar sentiments were shared by residents of Port Mourant, Crabwood Creek, and Black Bush Polder, where road works continue to progress.
Accompanying Minister Edghill during the site visits were Regional Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain and Public Works Engineer Chandradeo Ghansham.
