Guyana: Contract signing for Soesdyke-Linden Highway reconstruction set for today

Guyana: The reconstruction of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway in Guyana is set to make significant progress. The contract signing for the reconstruction process to begin has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

It is to be noted that the contract signing ceremony will be held at the Mighty Enchanter Creek along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. The ceremony will be witnessed by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and other senior government officials.

Significantly, for the reconstruction the Government of Guyana and the Islamic Development Bank signed a US$200 million Framework Agreement. The agreement signing was done on May 13, 2023.

The agreement noted that the project will include the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 73 kilometers long highway. It has been highlighted that the highway includes two undivided lanes, nine bridges, and six culverts. All this will be built with the improved design standards.

Furthermore, the project includes a variety of additional work that is aimed at enhancing the overall road corridor. The authorities shared that these improvements will provide better connectivity to the nearby communities and roadside facilities.

Additionally, the work that will be done include milling the existing asphalt surface, whih will prepare the surface for new pavement by levelling out the imperfections.

Further, various pavement structures will be applied, and certain parts will be completely rebuilt and two roundabouts will be constructed along the alignment.

Moreover, the additional enhancements include extending sidewalks to the nine multi-span bridges, upgrading drainage systems, relocating utilities, and installing roadway lighting.

These upgrades will significantly boost the safety and efficiency of the 73 kms long highway, which is also considered a critical link between key regions in the country.

The transformative project is aligned with the broader vision of the PPP/C Administration for an integrated, efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable transport network. It aims to enhance the capacity and accelerate the socio-economic development across the region.

The project will also connect to the ongoing East Bank Four Lane project from Goed Success to Timehri by a roundabout at the Soesdyke Junction, further boosting economic growth and connectivity along the East Bank corridor.

Significantly, the massive project will also be linked to the US$35 million four-lane Wismar/Mackenzie bridge project in Linden, strengthening trade between Guyana and Brazil and further positioning Guyana as a key player in international commerce and economic growth.