Linden-Mabura Road project nearing completion, Govt eyes next phase

Works on the first section of the Linden to Mabura Hill Road in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is nearing completion, according to the Ministry of Public Works.
In an update on Tuesday, the Ministry said that project is nearing 80 per cent overall completion status.
“This significant advancement along Guyana’s main hinterland corridor accounts for the completion of pavement construction, earthworks, subgrade preparation, and asphaltic works, with substantial sections of the roadway now at an advanced stage of completion,” it noted.
With the project now moving beyond its major earthworks phase, the new focus is that of finishing works and the installation of associated road infrastructure and signage.

The Linden-Mabura Road project underscores Government’s broader commitment to put improve connectivity between the coast and hinterland communities, strengthen access to the interior and enhance the movement of people and goods.
The upgraded corridor is also expected to support economic activity and improve transportation links to the country’s interior regions.
“With overall progress now at 79 per cent, works continue toward the completion of the remaining components of the project,” the Public Works Ministry stated.
Linden to Mabura Hill Road Project is the first phase of the much larger Linden to Lethem Road Project. Under Phase One, some 121 kilometres (km) of asphalt road is being built from Linden to Mabura Hill.
These works are being carried out by Brazilian-based contractor, Álya Construtora – an international infrastructure company specialising in civil works, heavy infrastructure projects and road development in complex environments.
The contractor was initially expected to wrap up works by the end of August 2026. However, no date has been given for the full completion of the project.
Nevertheless, as construction on this first section near completion, the Guyana Government is already moving towards the next phase with discussions already underway to advance the Mabura Hill to Kurupukari section.
Just last month, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, disclosed that talks have commenced on the next phase of the road project, that is, 30km from Mabura Hill towards Kurupukari.
“We are now negotiating to continue from Mabura Hill towards Kurupukari. The first 30 kilometres is being discussed right now and we are continuing that,” the Minister said, according to a report from the Department of Public Information (DPI).
Contacted by Guyana Times to clarify whether the negotiations for the new phase are with the same Brazilian contractor or a new company, the Public Works Minister opted not divulge this. He indicated to this newspaper that once the negotiations are finalised, the details will be made public.
It was also reported in August that preparations are advancing for the construction of the Kurupukari Bridge. According to Edghill, 48 bridges have already been completed along the Linden to Lethem corridor, while the proposed Kurupukari Bridge is expected to span between 700 and 800 metres.
Previously, there were talks of using sections of the now decommissioned Demerara Habour Birdge (DHB) to connect the Kurupukari crossing. However, subsequent studies have found that this was not feasible. Taking into consideration the heavy rapids, rocks and the need to accommodate extra-long grain trucks and trailers from neighbouring Brazil, the Government has since decided that a new high-span fixed concrete bridge will have to be constructed at Kurupukari.
Bridging the Kurupukari crossing is a major component of the highly-anticipated Linden to Lethem Road Project.
The Linden to Mabura Hill phase is being done to the tune of US$190 million and is funded through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) via a US$112 million loan, a grant of £50 million (US$66 million) from the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), and an input of US$12 million from the Guyana Government.
President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously hinted at tapping into the £3 billion available under the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) to possibly fund the remaining section of all-weather road upgrade.
In fact, back in January, former British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller had revealed that the Guyanese Government was already in discussions with a number of British companies on this critical road project.
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.
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 into an all-weather road, this pertinent piece of infrastructure would significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time and open up new commercial and trade opportunities especially between Guyana and Brazil.