Latest update March 13th, 2026 12:35 AM
New $10.5B Parika Port expected to be ready in 2029
(Kaieteur News) – The Parika Waterfront Development Project which the government through the Ministry of Public Works is executing in Region Three is expected to be completed and ready in 2029, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill has disclosed.
This information was provided in Parliament on February 2 in response to questions posed by APNU Member of Parliament Saiku Andrews. Among the questions Andrews asked about the project, was the total projected cost, timeline for completion for all phases, and what measures will be put in place to prevent cost overruns and costly time delays.
In his written response, Edghill stated that the cost for the project is $10.5 billion, and “It is envisaged that the overall project scope (all phases) will be implemented during the period 2026-2029.”
An artist’s impressions of the new port facility that will be constructed at Parika.
The minister also explained that to ensure timely implementation, an experienced Project Management Team comprising senior engineers, project managers and senior management officials from the ministry has been established to manage the execution of the project. He noted that the team “will continuously track the progress of the works and engage contractors and consultants on the implementation of recovery mechanisms to address delays, when required.”
This newspaper previously reported that phase one of the project which is being undertaken by GAICO Construction, Toolsie Persaud and A&S General Contractors is already underway. Phase one includes land reclamation and sea Defence on the North and South sides of the current stelling; and the construction of the main concrete stelling, all totaling under $5billion.
During a multi- stakeholder engagement and consultation meeting with residents, business owners and other stakeholders at the Parika Market tarmac last year, Minister Edghill noted that the operation of the ferry and water taxi services will not be interrupted during the construction phase.
It was reported that construction of a new Parika Ferry Stelling and Waterfront Development Project effectively transforming the Parika stelling into a major regional hub for transportation and socioeconomic activities and enhance operational efficiency, prioritise safety and guarantee commuters’ comfort.”
Additionally, the new modern port is aimed at increasing trade and tourism along the Essequibo Coast. Kaieteur News understands that the upgrading of the stelling is also to facilitate the arrival of the new Regional Ferry Service that is said to operate out of Guyana from Parika.
President Irfaan Ali announced last year, that the new facility will include the construction of a marina to support the country’s tourism sector. Notably, he said to support the port, they have to invest in some key infrastructure at Parika which would include the construction of a modern Customs and Immigration office, a modern Fire Service, a modern Coast Guard building, a modern Police Service, and importantly to support the farmers, they intend to invest in a modern storage facility. The Parika Stelling, which borders the Essequibo River, serves not only as a passenger loading and offloading area, but also as a waterfront where farmers take their produce from the hinterland to sell.
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