New CJIA Terminal; Berbice, Corentyne, Wismar bridges; Parika hub to transform connectivity

…as $88B allocated for energy projects

A hall mark of successive People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Governments has been its large-scale projects. Several of those projects- the Gas to Energy (GtE) Project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), a number of bridges across the country and the Parika Stelling, were allocated billions of dollars in the $1.382 trillion Budget 2025.
In his budget presentation, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh announced that that they will be investing in a world class, 150,000 square foot terminal building for the international airpor, one that will not only showcase Guyana’s natural beauty, but also allow for additional duty-free zones, retail opportunities, rental offices and lounges.
“The CJIA will then be able to dedicate separate buildings for arrivals and departures, increasing capacity and efficiency. A sum of $7 billion has been budgeted to commence these works in 2025,” he explained.
Dr Singh also recalled the work that has been done, at the domestic infrastructure level, to improve Guyana’s air transport network. This has included rehabilitating the Baramita, Paruima, Port Kaituma, and Phillipai airstrips and the Lethem Aerodrome.
“In 2024, $2 billion was expended to rehabilitate airstrips in several areas including at Eteringbang and Paruima and advance works on Ekereku Bottom, Kaieteur, Kaikan, Karisparu and Matthew’s Ridge airstrips, to be completed in 2025. In 2025, a sum of $2.5 billion has been budgeted to complete and rehabilitate hinterland airstrips, including Apoteri, Aishalton, Chenapou, Jawalla and Sand Creek,” Dr Singh said.

Bridges
There are meanwhile a number of bridges that are in various stages of construction or planning. One such bridge is the New Corentyne River Bridge – a partnership with the Government of Suriname that will see the construction of a 1,100-metre bridge across the Corentyne River, connecting Guyana to Suriname.
“An indicative sum of $5 billion is allocated to commence works once discussions with our Surinamese counterparts are concluded favourably,” the Finance Minister explained.
Similarly, $5 billion has been budgeted to start building a new four lane fixed bridge across the Berbice River. The pre-qualification process for the New Berbice River Bridge was completed in 2024. As such, procurement is expected to be completed this year, with works subsequently commencing.
Taking the lion’s share of the allocations for bridges is the New Demerara River Bridge – $20.2 billion that is budgeted to be completed this very year. Dr Singh also assured that works will advance to construct the bridge approach.
Meanwhile the Wismar Bridge is another bridge project in the works. Dr Singh noted that with works already progressed in 2024, a sum of $2.1 billion has been budgeted to further advance works in 2025.

GTE
Meanwhile, a total of $88 billion has been set aside for expanding energy related projects. One such project is the GtE Project, which when it comes onstream will deliver 300 megawatts (MW) of power.
“Mr Speaker, I have previously indicated that Budget 2025 makes provision for the completion of the much-anticipated 300 MW combined cycle power plant. Our Government is committed to reducing the cost of electricity for every consumer in Guyana by 50 per cent, once the GtE Project is completed.”
“This will not only lower household expenses but also significantly reduce operational costs of businesses, unlock the potential of the manufacturing sector, stimulate investment, and foster a more competitive and productive economy,” Dr Singh said.
According to the Finance Minister, this project is just the “first pillar” of the overall strategy for using gas. He also explained that the GtE Project is well advanced, with Phase I’s components; the gas-to-shore pipeline, the combined cycle power plant, the natural gas liquids plant, transmission lines and the new control centre, on course to be completed this year.

“All GtE Phase 1 components are scheduled to be completed in 2025, bringing online the simple cycle for this project, significantly increasing availability and improving the affordability and reliability of electricity.
“Looking ahead, GtE Phase II builds on the successes and objectives of Phase I and will improve the reliability and scalability of the national grid. Phase II will entail the development of a standalone power generation facility.”
Phase II of the GtE, for which the Government put out Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) last year, will feature a 250 MW combined cycle power plant, and according to Dr Singh, the Government is leaning towards this project following a power purchase model which will see electricity being sold to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).
“A request for proposal was launched in 2024, and a contract is expected to be awarded in 2025, and slated to be completed within two years from signing. This Phase II of the Gas-to-Energy project is expected to compensate for the delayed timeline for the AFHP (Amaila Falls Hydropower Project), which is now slated for 2029.”
“Mr Speaker, I have previously indicated that Budget 2025 makes provision for the completion of the much-anticipated 300 MW combined cycle power plant. Our Government is committed to reducing the cost of electricity for every consumer in Guyana by 50 per cent, once the GtE Project is completed.”
According to the Finance Minister, this will not only lower household expenses but also significantly reduce operational costs of businesses, unlock the potential of the manufacturing sector, stimulate investment, and foster a more competitive and productive economy.

Stelling
Monies have also been set aside for work on various water front infrastructure. For instance, a sum of $9.9 billion is budgeted to construct a new Parika Ferry Stelling and Waterfront Development Project.
This will effectively transform the Parika stelling into a major regional hub for transportation and socio-economic activities and enhance operational efficiency, prioritise safety and guarantee commuters’ comfort.
“In 2024, a sum of $9.3 billion was expended on our river transport facilities. Key investments include the completion of rehabilitation works on the MV Barima and MV Kimba, the Leguan, Supenaam, and Wakenaam stellings and the construction of navigational aids within the Demerara River and Mora Passage,” the Finance Minister explained. (G3)