Pres Ali promises enhanced transportation for Region 9 villages

…says money for upgrades to roads and bridges will be budgeted for

Several villages in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) will benefit from enhanced infrastructure works, as well as vehicles, to improve transportation access. These commitments were made by President Dr Irfaan Ali during a public meeting at Yupukari Village on Saturday.

The meeting, which was also attended by residents from surrounding satellite communities, featured President Ali and team as they assured the people of Region Nine that they are working in their best interests.
“Every day we are working on how we can bring initiatives to further strengthen and enhance the community. How we can bring initiatives to further solidify the development to make your lives better.”
According to the President, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is one that listens to the people and delivers on the things the people themselves request. He noted that over the next five years, the communities in Region Nine will be developed in consultation with the residents and as a matter of fact, a number of measures are either already in the pipeline or earmarked for the next budget.

“For example, in Yupukari. Connecting the satellite villages. You want minibuses. You want further help in transportation. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs already took note of that. And we’ve already procured two minibuses to support the satellite communities,” President Ali said.
“We’re already in the process and I know this community, one of the main things here is that you’re about 70 kilometres (km) from Lethem. And you want an ambulance. I want to tell you that that ambulance is also being procured for your community.”
He cited the Yupukari/Fly Hill bridge, which is presently made from timber. President Ali noted that with the community expressing a desire to upgrade the bridge into concrete, he has already asked the Regional authorities and the Ministry, presumably the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, to include this upgrade in the budget.
“At Katoka junction to Flyhill, which is about three kilometres; we’re doing our work. Every day we’re in service to you, that’s how we know this. We’re going to continue work on upgrading that road. Because that is important for you.”
“And then we have, of course, Kaikumbay road. The laterite road. That’s about five to six kilometres. I’ve already asked the engineers so we can work incrementally, kilometre by kilometre, so we can upgrade that laterite road so you can have a good road,” President Ali further explained.
President Ali meanwhile also visited Katoka, Rupununi in Region Nine, during which he engaged with residents. Following the meeting, the President commissioned the Katoka Secondary School.
The Government’s efforts to develop Region Nine’s infrastructure, take place alongside one of the largest projects the region has ever seen, namely the Linden to Mabura Hill Road which has an updated completion date of October 2025.
Works on the Linden to Mabura Hill road started in 2022, but there were delays after the contractor halted works between June and August 2024 due to procurement challenges, which resulted in downtime.
The previous condition of this road had posed significant challenges for commuters and transport operators. Heavily laden lorries frequently toppled off the roadway, and deteriorated bridges required manual alignment of boards for crossings, often with unsafe outcomes.
However, when completed, the pertinent piece of infrastructure would significantly improve connectivity between Linden and the inland regions of Guyana.
This project is being co-financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through a US$112 million loan, a £50 million (US$66 million) grant from the United Kingdom (UK) under the Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (CIPF), and US$12 million from the Government of Guyana. It marks the largest grant Guyana has ever received from the UK.
The road will boast a 7.2-metre-wide carriageway, a two-metre-wide pedestrian and cycle lane, and 10 bus stops with ramps for persons with disabilities. Additionally, the project includes the replacement of multiple bridges and culverts, as well as the installation of 123 lights along the roadway.