The 2025-2030 term of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government will see the continuation of more world-class infrastructural projects, which are designed to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and improve the lives of citizens. This was one of the core messages shared by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, during his appearance on the Starting Point podcast.
“Incredible developments are underway,” Minister Edghill asserted, highlighting that the initiatives led by the Dr Irfaan Ali-led administration, which began in 2020, will persist, with additional projects already in progress.
During the interview, the minister outlined several priority projects. He mentioned that the government has initiated a tender process and received proposals for a new Berbice River bridge, one that is comparable to the US$262 million Bharrat Jagdeo River Bridge. “These proposals have already been evaluated. A preferred bidder has been identified, and negotiations for the final contract are underway. I expect that we will conclude these negotiations and sign the contract before the end of this year,” Minister Edghill disclosed.
In Berbice, the new bridge will connect to the Palmyra development, which includes new housing schemes, a stadium, a deep-water harbour, a municipal airport, a cultural market, and the second phase of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project. The official stated that the road from Palmyra to Moleson Creek is being expanded into a four-lane highway, which will link to the proposed bridge across the Corentyne River, a government-to-government initiative between Guyana and Suriname. Edghill noted that, despite both administrations being early in their new terms, representatives from both sides have met to discuss the pathway forward for the Guyana–Suriname bridge.
Turning to Region Two, he remarked that while hundreds of community roads have been completed, the main road from Supenaam to Charity also requires upgrading. The government plans to expand this paved two-lane stretch into a four-lane highway. Additionally, a new wharf facility is planned for Charity, located at the Pomeroon River.
“With regard to the ferry service, we have already acquired two additional ferries—one will operate on the Parika to Supenaam route, and the other will run from Georgetown to Mabaruma in Region One,” the minister added.
For Region Three, Edghill highlighted plans to outfit Parika with an international port facility. “We already have three contractors in place, and construction for that port has commenced. This port will feature a marina for visitors arriving in Guyana with their yachts,” he explained. The facility will also accommodate roll-on/roll-off ferries, multiple docking spaces, and offices for customs, immigration, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), and agricultural processing and packaging. The minister stated that while the project will be executed in phases, the entire initiative is expected to be completed before 2030. “From the Parika Port, President Ali envisions that a regional ferry will facilitate the transport of our products throughout the Caribbean,” he added.
Furthermore, Minister Edghill noted that while a section of the old Demerara Harbour Bridge will be utilised to connect Timehri, East Bank Demerara, with Sandhills, there is also consideration for connecting the Essequibo islands.
Additionally, he indicated that a new road from Sandhills to Falmouth will provide significantly faster access to Bartica, Region Seven. “In just two hours from Georgetown, you can reach Bartica with a truckload of fuel or mining equipment,” Edghill stated. He explained that this alternative route will eliminate lengthy ferry trips to Bartica and the associated truck restrictions.
He was also keen to note that upgraded roads and bridges along the Linden–Lethem trail will grant Guyana access to a market of 20 million people in northern Brazil. “We are opening Guyana to the world. Guyana will serve as a hub linking the Caribbean with South America. Whether you are heading to the Caribbean or South America, Guyana is the destination, and we are investing in that infrastructure,” he noted.
To support tourism, Edghill stated that hinterland roads, airstrips, and facilities will be enhanced, with the government prioritising tourism, agriculture, and industrialisation.
He also mentioned that in Wales, Region Three, the road from the Bharrat Jagdeo River Bridge to Patentia will be upgraded, alongside a new bridge at Stanleytown. Progress is also being made on the Schoonard–Parika four-lane road, which will improve connectivity and facilitate housing development. According to the minister, several contractors are already constructing bridges and creating access, and tenders have been issued for the roadworks.