By Josiah Williams | October 8, 2024
Hundreds of small contractors in Guyana’s Region Six will soon begin work on 475 road projects, an effort expected to directly inject nearly $6.9 billion into the regional economy.
The contracts, awarded this week in New Amsterdam, Berbice, aim to support local contractors by expanding small business opportunities and enhancing infrastructure.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who addressed the contractors during the contract award event, emphasized the importance of delivering quality work within project timelines.
This approach, he noted, is part of a government response to resident requests for a more community-focused distribution of contracts.
The initiative will allow small contractors to gain experience and build capacity in the construction sector, benefiting the regional infrastructure and supporting local economic development.
Additionally, a second round of contracts is planned, allocating roughly $7 billion for major road projects in the region.
This round will target larger contractors with greater resources, as part of a structured effort to foster growth across all levels of the contracting industry.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill highlighted that the allocation of these smaller contracts helps build the local contractors’ capacity for future large-scale projects.
The payment structure, based on a competitive per-square-meter rate, is designed to ensure fair compensation and project efficiency, with all projects anticipated to be completed by mid-December.
These road improvements are expected to positively impact communities throughout Region Six, enhancing accessibility and supporting local business growth.