Latest update April 14th, 2026 12:38 AM
Guyana’s taken-for-granted development
Dear Editor,
Early in the year, during his budget presentation, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, projected for Guyana, “a series of major road projects to be advanced this year (2026).” This ‘series’ of projects can be easily accessed, but the gist of it is that while in 2025, $195.2 billion was expended to improve road connectivity across the country, in 2026, the Guyana Budget “… allocates $196.1 billion, forming part of the massive, total $1.558 trillion National Budget.”
This, for me, is a clear indication that the Government is very much aware of where it wants to take Guyana, and how. As a passing footnote, too many people are oblivious regarding the importance and cost of road projects. Road works, currently ongoing in Guyana, reflect planning and investment, and those involved must be accorded due respect.
I think of the recent and quite obvious upgrades to the Linden Highway, once quite a nightmare. Then there is Heroes Highway and the Schoonard to Crane Road, that are ‘time savers’ and ‘congestion cures’ forming a small part of the People’s Progressive Party’s Government’s ‘commitment to improving connectivity and significantly alleviate traffic congestion.” It goes without saying that a ‘booming economy’ and matching ‘road works’ are mutually inclusive, one being the corollary of the other.
How about the Linden Highway, spanning some 70 plus miles, connecting Georgetown to the mining town of Linden? It is now so easy to traverse this stretch that allows for ever increasing commerce, transportation, and community life. Minibuses ply this route 24/7, as the commute demands this. Erstwhile, this trek was a nightmare. But now, with an energized PPP/C and a burgeoning economy, this highway is up-to-date with extensive upgrades and maintenance to create a Linden concomitant with a growing economy.
What we need to absorb is that transportation is an economic development pillar because it facilitates the movement of goods, services, and human beings and also promotes regional and international integration. It is vital then that all governments, and for sure Guyana’s, heavily facilitate road works to boost economic growth, enhance connectivity, and improve safety. We need to realise some of the spin-offs too. For example, property value can increase significantly, sometimes by over 50%. Then reliable roads make a huge difference in terms of accessing Medicare and educational opportunities. I recall, it was pointed out that in India, road improvements were linked to lower infant mortality rates due to better access to health clinics.
Editor, credit must be accorded where and when it is due, and I tip my hat to the current PPP/C Administration for holding strong where road infrastructure is concerned. We all need to keep in mind that road building is extremely expensive, with costs often exceeding millions of dollars per mile due to materials, labour, specialized equipment, and complex logistics. Add to this reality is that there are continual rising prices for fuel and materials like asphalt, spiralling costs by roughly 70% since 2020.
Enhanced transportation networks can attract investment and spur economic growth by improving connectivity among regions, fostering trade, and creating job opportunities. Reliable, clean, and modern transportation systems increase productivity by allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively. Is it any wonder that Guyana is drawing the ‘crowd of investors’ globally, and spurring and spawning job opportunities for the public en masse?
Take nothing for granted and open your eyes and see.
Yours truly,
Raymond Anderson
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