Public consultation held on Palmyra to Moleson Creek road project

The Ministry of Public Works hosted a public engagement with key stakeholders on Wednesday to discuss the US$604 million Palmyra to Moleson Creek road expansion project in Region Six.

Stakeholders at the meeting included project contractor Vishwa Samudra Engineering Private Ltd of India, members of the Guyana Police Force, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, and representatives of utility and telecommunications companies, among others.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) news release, the public consultation, held at the Regional Democratic Council in New Amsterdam, sought to inform stakeholders about the significant infrastructural development set to begin soon in that region.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, emphasised that it is the Government’s duty to involve stakeholders in projects of this magnitude in order to ensure they are informed throughout the process. He added that the project would be the largest of its kind being executed in Guyana.
“We have now completed the process of procuring the contractor’s engagement for the building out of this project, and it is going forward. One of the conditionalities to ensure the effective execution is getting the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in place,” the minister disclosed.
He explained that while the project may cause temporary inconveniences, it would deliver long-term benefits, and this transformative project is designed to modernise and develop Region Six. Significantly, it would support housing and deep-water harbour developments in the region.
The minister also cautioned the contractor against reckless execution, emphasising the importance of considering the wellbeing of residents living close to the operation.
“As stakeholders, you must be able to get the information, so when people discuss the project, you would be able to give correct answers or you will be knowledgeable enough to know who are the persons and companies involved,” Edghill said.
The project is tied to the Guyana-Suriname agreement to construct across the Corentyne River a bridge that would create major economic opportunities.
“Your Berbice that was once an ancient country is becoming modern and highly visible, and an economic powerhouse…This is the centre of where development is taking place in Guyana,” Public Works Minister Edghill has said.
According to the DPI, the Palmyra to Moleson Creek road will be upgraded to a four-lane highway to ease the heavy flow of traffic that now persists in the region.
It will see improved concrete drains and road signage, along with pedestrian and cycling lanes.