Berbice set for major transformation – Minister Edghill

– as Budget 2026 advances Palmyra–Moleson Creek Road Project

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said the 2026 budget delivers significant infrastructure and economic benefits for the people of Berbice. He stated that the Government continues to push ahead with major roads, housing and agricultural projects in Region Six.
The Minister made the remarks during a site visit at Number 36 Village along the Palmyra to Moleson Creek corridor, where construction is underway on a four-lane road widening project being executed by China Roads and Bridges Corporation.
The project is divided into three lots and forms part of the Government’s broader infrastructure push under the $1.558 trillion national budget presented to the National Assembly last week.

“This project will bring benefits to every single Berbician. I wanted to start with the softer side of the development: safety. We have lost too many lives on the Corentyne road, whether it’s motorists hitting into animals, vehicles engaging each other, or motorcyclists running off the road. This project will see greater traffic safety, geometric improvement of the roads, wider carriageways, safer parking, street lighting, and the assurance that while the country develops and we’re talking about connectivity, we can be able to do so in a very safe manner,” he assured.
Edghill explained that the Palmyra to Moleson Creek project forms part of the wider infrastructure push under the $1.558 trillion 2026 budget with initiatives that target the improvement of Region Six.
These include the construction of a new four-lane high-span bridge across the Berbice River, continued engagement with Suriname on a bridge across the Corentyne River, and expanded farm-to-market access roads to support agricultural production.
He added that the improved roads will render assistance to the farmers and their businesses, reducing travel time and transportation costs, while opening new land to be used for housing in the Moleson Creek area and the exploration of a new roadway linking Moleson Creek to Orealla and onwards to Siparuta, opening up new lands for farming and settlement.
“We must be discussing how people benefit, how people’s lives will improve, how people will get their products to the market, how rice farmers will see improvements, and when we build farm-to-market access roads, open up new lands and connect them with the highway. I anticipate that the traffic in Berbice will be phenomenal after the passage of this budget because this budget carries with it provisions for reduced cost for the importation of four-by-four vehicles, pickups, and open-back pickups,” Edghill stated.
Edghill further highlighted the Government’s plans for industrial development in Berbice, including preliminary work to bring a gas pipeline to Palmyra to support manufacturing and fertiliser production, as well as the development of a deep-water harbour to boost trade and shipping between Guyana, Suriname and the wider Caribbean and South American region.
Addressing the concerns of residents and vendors, the Minister assured that no private property is being taken and that persons affected will be relocated to safer areas to continue their livelihood.
He said, “The Government of Guyana is not harassing Berbicians, and neither are we moving people to the other road. We are relocating people who have economic opportunities to tarmacs where they could continue their economic opportunities in a safe manner.”
The Minister also issued a warning to contractors, saying delays will not be tolerated and that underperforming contractors will be replaced if necessary.
“We cannot be an encumbrance to residents while people’s patience allows us to go into communities and work,” Edghill said, adding that the Government remains committed to completing projects in a timely manner.
He reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to Berbice, saying the projects outlined in Budget 2026 demonstrate the Government’s determination to modernise the region and improve the quality of life for its residents.