“There will be no extensions” – Edghill to contractors awarded $6B in sea defence works

The Public Works Ministry has signed off on 42 contracts worth some $6 billion for the construction of crucial sea and river defence infrastructure across several regions. Among the targeted areas are Cullen, Onderneeming, Good Hope, and Queenstown on the Essequibo Coast. On Wakenaam Island, Zeelandia, Maria’s Pleasure, and Marionville will undergo major improvements, while Amsterdam, Canefield, and Waterloo on Leguan Island are also set for upgrades.

West Demerara will see works in Den Amstel, La Jalousie and La Retraite, while in East Demerara, the focus would be on Buxton, Garden of Eden, Friendship, Hope, Essex/Concord, and Mahaica. Additionally, projects will be executed along the West Coast of Berbice at Belladrum/ Washington and Abary, as well as in East Berbice at Nos. 58-62 Villages, Bengal, and Crabwood Creek.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony on Tuesday, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill emphasised the importance of efficiency and high-quality work, noting that Government would not tolerate subpar performance or unnecessary extensions.
“There is no known shortage of materials to execute sea defence works…There will be no extensions, and I expect that all of these projects (would be completed) in a timely manner. Frankly, you were at the bid opening or you read the minutes, and you recognise that, for these projects, more than 150 people bid; and some of you sitting, your number wasn’t the lowest number, but you came in as responsive because of capacity and track record,” the Minister said.
The new sea and river defence projects fall under Government’s Capital Programme, approved in the 2025 National Budget.
Edghill reminded contractors that with General and Regional Elections set for 2025, Government would be closely scrutinising all public works.

Warned
On this point, the minister warned against negligence and deliberate acts that could tarnish Government’s reputation.
“Whatever we are doing is for the benefit of the Guyanese people. So, when we are in a community executing a project, the community must be aware and the community must understand what you are doing”, he admonished.
“I am confident that the PPP/C administration has delivered what they promised and beyond what they promised; and in the delivery of those promises, we have made the lives of people better. We have seen instances of neglect and sabotage, lawlessness and recklessness, (intended) to bring public attention and disrepute to the Government, and I have said to contractors that I will never allow a contractor to be making money and the Government losing political capital because of recklessness,” he said sternly.
In addition to the 42 signed contracts, the Ministry of Public Works has put 80 additional lots out for public tender. These will be awarded to small contractors, ensuring wider participation in the country’s development efforts.