Guyana’s infrastructure push aimed at 2030 & beyond – Edghill

…says Govt committed to delivering value for money

Guyana’s massive infrastructure push is one aimed at ensuring a legacy that lasts for 2030 and beyond according to Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, the government is cognisant of the need to ensure value for money in these projects.
During a recent workshop held at the Marriott Hotel to empower staff with the skills and knowledge to adapt to evolving development needs and construct high-performing roads and infrastructure.

According to Edghill, the government is committed to not only delivering value for money on projects, but building long lasting projects that will leave a legacy that outlasts the 2030 benchmark and beyond.
“The government of Guyana, we are committed to delivering value for money. We don’t just wanna say we spent money on a project, we want to be able to build it. And in case anybody is thinking we’re just doing things for short term, this President Irfaan Ali administration, whatever we’re doing is not for five years or 10 years.”
“It’s for legacy. Because where we are now, we must be building out for the future. You would have heard the President talking about 2030 and beyond. And that 2030 and beyond vision is what will make a big difference.”
But to do this requires the commitment of the technical staff. And Minister Edghill made it clear to the technical staff of the need to constantly seek to build capacity. Hence the calling of the workshop.

“I want us to take a hard look at the realities. You are the ones who attended the Universities, wrote the exams, you studied the technologies and did the readings. Well, if there’s anything I would like to see coming out of this workshop, is not just the transfer of information and knowledge. But we should also be looking to see, is there something we should be doing that we’re not doing? That can make what we’re doing, better? Because ultimately, what we want is better results. You think that’s a good way to go? So, we should have that conversation among ourselves.”
It was explained by the Ministry that the aim of the training is to enhance the efficiency of the roads and supporting structures being built by the Ministry of Public Works and to equip staff with the necessary tools to meet evolving development demands.
Those in attendance included Senior Managers, Engineers, Clerks of Works and Technicians from the Ministry of Public Works who operate in various Regions across Guyana, along with some technical officers from the Ministry of Local Government.
Training topics included Procurement and Finance, Survey and Assessment, Best practices in Design, Innovative Construction Methods, Innovative Management Strategies, Durability and Reliability of Road Works, Rigid and Flexible Pavement Systems, among other important aspects.
“Minister Edghill admonished staff of the Ministry of Public Works, to be mindful of how the works being undertaken in communities affect community members and to ensure that projects are completed on time and within the allocated budget,” a statement from the Ministry said.
“He recalled that as per the Audit General’s Reports, overpayment on contracts was significant under the previous Ministry of Public Infrastructure, but that has since been significantly reduced. He also added, that very soon in the National Assembly he will be tabling the Engineers’ Bill which will see other improvements for the building sector.
The PPP/C government is undertaking a number of massive projects with a 2030 and beyond focus, including the US$260 million Demerara River Bridge which will have a lifespan of 100 years… far eclipsing the lifespan of the old bridge.
The new bridge will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre, four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River, with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6 metres. The bridge, which features a bicycle lane, will bring an end to closures to vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixed-high span to cater for the free flow of vessels uninterrupted. The river will be dredged along a 13.5-kilometre stretch to accommodate large vessels.
Back in 2022, $21.1 billion was allocated towards work on the bridge. The CRCCL (International) Limited-led joint venture outbid four other pre-qualified international companies that submitted proposals for the project.
In the months before the contract was awarded, the Guyana Government, through a team of specialists – legal and engineering – was in negotiations with the Chinese company to finalise the terms of the contract.
Another long-term project will be the Gas-to-Energy project, which will have a lifespan of 25 years when complete. It will feature approximately 220 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to Wales, West Coast Demerara.
Upon landing on shore, the pipeline will continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant to be constructed at Wales. The pipeline would be 12 inches in diameter and is expected to transport some 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, but has the capacity to push as much 120 mmscfd. (G3)