Minister Deodat Indar updates GCCI on infrastructure development projects around Guyana
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Deodat Indar on November 20 updated members of the Chamber on infrastructure development projects that are ongoing and in the pipeline around the country.
The meeting, which was held in the GCCI’s boardroom, was organised by the Chamber’s Petroleum Committee, which is chaired by Senior Vice President, Mrs. Kathy Smith. The Minister delivered a presentation that covered several areas including general infrastructure, energy infrastructure, aviation infrastructure, transportation networks, the procurement system, oil and gas infrastructure, and the government’s spend on infrastructure.
Noting that this year’s national budget allocation for infrastructural development is the largest the country has seen to date, the Minister highlighted the focus being placed on expanding and improving the road networks in Guyana, particularly in interior areas. “When we have access into the interior, farmlands open up,” he stated. Meanwhile, the Minister shared that works have been completed on over 5000 community roads so far. He also took the opportunity to address concerns about the use of small, community-based contractors, a decision that he said was taken to provide contractors with the capacity to complete these projects a fair chance to access contracts.
Providing an update on the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Minister said that the project is over 75 percent complete, with rapid work on the backend to ensure that the completion remains on track. He also addressed issues related to the country’s energy constraints such as the current transmission lines being overloaded, which is compounded by the growing demand that has resulted from increased construction in the country. This, he said, is being addressed by using the power ship.
Attendees were also provided an opportunity to raise concerns and queries with the minister. Activities such as these are geared towards ensuring that members of the Chamber are abreast with the ongoing development in the country and are made aware of opportunities to benefit from these projects.
