$161 million contract signed for reconstruction of Linden-Soesdyke highway

A $161 million contract was signed on Wednesday to rebuild the Soesdyke-Linden highway, which will provide a major upgrade to the corridor.

The reconstruction project, which will upgrade the 73-kilometre stretch of road from Soesdyke to Linden, is expected to be carried out by a joint venture between Namalco Construction Services Ltd. of Trinidad and Tobago and GuyAmerica Construction Company of Guyana.

The construction of the project was also supervised by a Kuwaiti company, and a contract worth $1.775 million was signed for the supervision.

At a signing ceremony held earlier, the parties noted that this is the first project in Guyana to receive funding from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

Speaking at the ceremony, President Irfaan Ali said the reconstruction was not only crucial for connectivity but also very important as it is one of the main arteries supporting the development of the hinterland communities.

The Head of State also added that the highway, which links to other important infrastructure, will expand Guyana’s production capacity.

He said the project would further expand land supply along the highway and open up new areas for a multi-faceted investment portfolio.
Public Works Minister Deodat Indar said that of the 73 km stretch that needs repair, some sections will be repaired while the rest will be completely reconstructed.

In addition, he said, the project will include about 10 bridges and five other structures, which will be built along the Soesdyke to Linden route.

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said the construction will feature two roundabouts, the first at the Soesdyke-Linden junction and the other at a point that will allow a smooth transition to Linden.

He added that the line will have several rest stops and nearly 3,000 street lights to make the road safer.
Edgehill told attendees the project also includes improved drainage along the entire highway and will eventually involve excavating the entire highway to lay a new roadbed and add new pavement to accommodate the new tonnage requirements that will pass through the highway.

In May 2023, the government signed a new reconstruction loan agreement with the Islamic Development Bank.
The $200 million framework agreement was signed during the 2023 Islamic Development Bank Group Annual Meeting in Saudi Arabia.