Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill has announced that the Government of Guyana is actively exploring the possibility of introducing a light rail and mass transit system along the Linden–Lethem corridor leading to Brazil.
“It is active on the burner. We are exploring possibilities for mass transit as well as a railway system along the same alignment of the road to Brazil,” Minister Edghill stated.
The Minister made the remarks while providing an update on major infrastructural projects currently underway across the country.
Meanwhile, he revealed that Lot 2 of the Linden–Mabura Road Project officially commenced on Thursday morning at 9:00h.
“We have kick-started the engagement for Lot 2, and we will continue efforts to complete the 600-metre bridge across the Essequibo River to connect the road for 24-hour use,” he said.
Edghill further noted that Phase 1 of the Linden–Mabura Road was initiated during the 2022–2025 period and that negotiations are now ongoing for Phase 2, which will extend from Mabura Hill to Kurupukari.
“This particular road is one of the flagship projects in our infrastructure development agenda,” the Minister emphasised.
While providing the updates on major infrastructural works being undertaken in the country, Edghill confirmed that the Government has secured a contractor for the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge, which will further enhance connectivity between Guyana and Suriname.
The US$190 million Phase One of the project will see 121 kilometres of asphaltic road being built from Linden to Mabura Hill in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice).
The project is being funded through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) via a US$112 million loan, a grant of £50 million (US$66 million) from the United Kingdom’s Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), and an input of US$12 million from the Guyana Government. That was the largest grant Guyana has ever received from the British Government.
Phase Two of this project will see the all-weather road being extended to Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Currently, this road network is being utilised by an estimated 50,000 travellers who transport goods from the coast to the inland regions of Guyana and even into neighbouring Brazil.
Guyana and Brazil are presently exploring financing options for that section of the road that will also serve as a critical transport link for the two countries.
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