Govt expends $2B for traffic lights

– aims to address persistent traffic challenges

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill announced Thursday that Government allocated $2 billion to procure traffic lights, with the aim of addressing the country’s persistent traffic challenges.
During the handover of traffic equipment at the Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, Minister Edghill explained that several areas and roadways in Guyana lack traffic lights, often requiring police officers to manage and direct traffic.
In situations where no officers are present, significant traffic congestion typically occurs; at most intersections, vehicular accidents are common, he related.
“This $2 billion investment is separate from the funding allocated to ongoing projects. It ensures that we have additional traffic management systems in place,” he explained.
He noted that the traffic lights have already been procured and will soon be installed.
“I am pleased to share that we have budgeted $2 billion in 2025 for the procurement of additional traffic lights to address traffic management needs across the country. You will see a massive roll out of traffic lights based on agreements with traffic officers, identifying areas where they are most needed, particularly for safety in Georgetown,” Minister Edghill announced.
According to Minister Edghill, this initiative came to fruition after a thorough review by the Cabinet, which focused on traffic management.
“Management of traffic on our highways and major intersections underwent a strong review. As the Minister responsible for transportation, I have presented a paper to Cabinet for the development of policy guidelines that will be made known to the public,” Edghill disclosed.
The Minister also divulged that to further strengthen this initiative, President Ali has established a task force, led by the Prime Minister, with traffic officers from various divisions being part of the team.
He also acknowledged the high rate of vehicular accidents, including incidents where vehicles have damaged traffic lights.
“We’ve had bad experiences where speeding drivers have collided with traffic lights. The Attorney General (AG) has addressed the issue of damage to public property, and people will now be held accountable for such damages… People will have to start paying.”
The Minister further revealed key locations where these new traffic lights will be installed.
“Heroes Highway: traffic lights will be installed at major intersections to ensure proper control. Traffic lights will also be implemented along the stretch from Diamond to Land of Canaan, which is now in the design phase, and from Land of Canaan to the Soesdyke Highway. Projects currently underway, such as the Good Success to Timehri area, also require traffic lights and signage. Other areas, such as Ogle, Eccles, and the four-lane road being constructed with support from the Indian Exim Bank, will also benefit from these improvements.”
He added that he was “particularly concerned about areas like Sheriff-Mandela Avenue, where traffic can become chaotic.”
“Additionally, businesses requiring large parking areas, like supermarkets, must plan appropriately,” he remarked.
Amid these developments, Edghill expressed optimism, emphasising that brighter days are ahead, though much work remains, and reiterated the need for nationwide implementation of traffic lights and related infrastructure.
“This is a good initiative, but it must be complemented by proper signage, traffic lights, and compatibility across regions. Traffic officers will be working on these improvements nationwide,” he declared.
As part of this effort, the Minister also highlighted the importance of road safety education, starting with schoolchildren, saying that he believes road safety education and road safety officers need to be revitalised once again in schools.