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UK denies funds approved for seawall, Linden/Lethem road projects
Two major projects that Government announced recently were significantly advanced and funded by the British, appears not have been given the final green light by that donor country.
Consultations on the Linden/Lethem road being held in hinterlands area recently.
Yesterday, the British High Commission disclosed that as part of the UK-Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), launched in 2016, over the last year the UK supported initial design work for the construction of the road between Linden and Mabura and the bridge at Kurupukari which is being implemented by the Caribbean Development Bank.
The High Commission said that no decision has yet been made on the construction phase of this project.
“Similarly whilst the UK funded the design phase of the Kingston-Ogle seawall project through UKCIF, no decision has been taken on the next phase of this project either.”
The clarification would come as the British joined with the US and European Union to call on the Coalition Government to fix a date for elections.
The three foreign diplomats warned that the current political situation is affecting the developmental programmes for Guyana.
Earlier this week, the Government issued a report which disclosed that the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the sea
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson
wall from Kingston to Ogle is progressing; as the government moves a step further with the feasibility study and design.
A public consultation was held at the bandstand located at the Kingston Seawall.
It was disclosed that Mott MacDonald UK, the company tasked with completing the feasibility study and designs, was examining the area that spans 7.5km.
Stuart explained that the study aims to “improve the whole flood protection infrastructure. Incorporated in this study are some ancillary designs in waterfront development to improve the space.”
“Monies approved by the United Kingdom under the Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has made the project possible,” the report said.
According to a representative of Mott MacDonald UK, Peter Phips, “the main purpose of the project is to look to rehabilitate and make the sea defence more climate-resilient in the face of climate change and sea-level rise”.
In October, the UK based company plans to conduct an environmental and social impact assessment.
British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn
This will be done while the preliminary design is being finalised for its November deadline.
Between December and March 2020, a detailed design of the project will be prepared.
Once accepted, the procurement process will begin for the project’s construction. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has oversight for the seawall project, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI)
With regards to the Linden-Lethem road, it was disclosed that Government has announced that it is steaming forward with the construction of a paved Linden/Lethem road.
Already, funding has been secured and the construction phase is expected to start shortly.
However, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure refuted the reports as premised on the Government report.
“Honourable Minister David Patterson was quoted incorrectly. In fact, the project is currently at the procurement stage where the Ministry is selecting the prequalification of contractors to execute the paving works, it is this process that is scheduled to commence on October 1, 2019.”
The 200-plus kilometre road has been seen as key for the development of the hinterland and the increase of trade with especially Brazil. It leads to a number of communities.
Already, there is a bridge at the Takutu River, linking the two countries.
For years now, residents, miners and loggers have been complaining about the state of the road which deteriorates in especially the rainy season.
Initial talks with Brazil have stalled. That neighbouring country, seeing the benefits of faster shipping using Guyana’s ports, has been attempting to find funding.
According to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, on Tuesday, it spearheaded a consultation meeting with the residents of Mabura and Kurupukari for the Feasibility Study and Design for the Linden to Mabura Hill Road Upgrade and Kurupukari River Crossing.
The community consultations were conducted at Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre and Mabura Health Post.
The consultations are likely to wrap up shortly.
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