The World Bank has approved a US$156 million project to upgrade Guyana’s road infrastructure, focusing on safety, resilience, and connectivity. The project targets vulnerable road areas, particularly those affected by extreme weather, aiming to improve transport networks and access to essential services. Equipment enhancements will include drainage support and traffic safety measures, supporting economic growth amidst the country’s rapid development. Funding comes from the World Bank’s International Development Association.
The World Bank’s Executive Directors have approved a US$156 million project aimed at upgrading Guyana’s road infrastructure to enhance transport safety and resilience. This initiative, part of the Integrated Transport Corridors Project, specifically targets critical road corridors and aims to bolster Guyana’s capacity to handle natural hazards, ultimately improving mobility across selected regions.
Guyana’s road network is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with over 60% of roads situated in low-lying coastal areas susceptible to flooding and erosion risks. The preceding floods in 2021 resulted in damage exceeding US$100 million to both agricultural and transport sectors, underscoring the urgency of this project.
Key objectives include implementing infrastructure improvements like enhancing drainage systems and stabilizing slopes, crucial for maintaining transport links. Additionally, there will be a focus on road safety through audits, installation of safety measures such as crash barriers, and dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly near high-risk areas like schools and markets.
The World Bank highlights the need for this project as Guyana experiences rapid economic growth, which strains its infrastructure. Diletta Doretti, the World Bank Group’s Resident Representative for Guyana, emphasized that the project aims to ensure the road network grows alongside the economy while becoming more resilient to natural hazards.
This funding stems from the World Bank’s International Development Association, which assists low-income nations, but Guyana’s financial position has changed dramatically due to oil revenues. The project document specifies that Guyana ranks low on various infrastructure competitiveness indices, signaling a significant infrastructure gap that needs addressing to improve connectivity and overall productivity.
Limited road connections hinder access to essential services, affecting healthcare, education, and increasing transportation costs. There are approximately 7,970 km of roads in Guyana, predominantly comprising primary and feeder roads, which are critical for connecting agricultural areas to major transport networks. Poor infrastructure development restricts trade and impacts economic conditions.
The anticipated construction of new bridges, such as the ones across the Corentyne and Berbice rivers, is expected to enhance economic corridors linking Georgetown with Suriname and Brazil. This infrastructural development is viewed as vital for boosting trade, tourism, and agricultural productivity, further strengthening regional cooperation among neighboring South American countries.
In summary, the World Bank’s approval of the US$156 million transport project is a significant step towards upgrading Guyana’s road infrastructure. The initiative aims to enhance road safety, develop resilience against natural hazards, and improve connectivity, which is crucial for economic growth and access to essential services. By addressing the structural deficiencies and vulnerabilities in the transport network, this project is poised to support Guyana’s further economic development and regional cooperation.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
