The World Bank has approved a US$156 million project to enhance Guyana’s road infrastructure, ensuring safer mobility and resilience against natural hazards. The Integrated Transport Corridors Project focuses on upgrading key roads, improving drainage, and prioritizing road safety. This development is critical for fostering economic growth and community connectivity, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and extreme weather events.
The World Bank has approved a US$156 million project aimed at enhancing and rehabilitating Guyana’s road infrastructure. This Integrated Transport Corridors Project is designed to bolster the country’s transport network, particularly in regions vulnerable to natural hazards. The project seeks to ensure safer mobility and improved resilience against extreme weather events, as Guyana’s road network, especially in coastal areas, faces significant challenges due to rising sea levels and severe rainfall.
Guyana’s deteriorating road conditions have adverse effects on access to essential services such as healthcare and education, as well as on economic activities, isolating communities. The road mortality rate in Guyana is notably concerning, standing at 15 deaths per 100,000 population. The project focuses on upgrading key road corridors and implementing infrastructure improvements to enhance road safety and resilience against environmental challenges.
Specific improvements will include better drainage systems, slope stabilization, and embankment elevation to avert erosion, safeguarding critical transportation links for agriculture and tourism. Additionally, the project will assess road safety throughout the primary road network, conduct audits, and install engineering solutions, including crash barriers and lanes for non-motorized transport, with particular focus on high-risk areas like schools and hospitals.
“This project will help Guyana’s road network keep pace with its growth by making it safer and more resilient,” stated Diletta Doretti, the World Bank Group Resident Representative for Guyana. The funding for this initiative originates from the World Bank’s International Development Association, which assists low-income countries, highlighting Guyana’s economic advancements due to oil revenues.
The World Bank’s report underscores that Guyana ranks poorly in transport sector infrastructure, placing 134 out of 141 countries on the 2019 Global Competitiveness Index. Limited connectivity to remote regions impedes access to services and hampers agricultural productivity, while poor road conditions inflate transportation costs.
Guyana’s road network consists of approximately 7,970 km, including only a limited number of all-weather primary and feeder roads that connect coastal agricultural regions to major routes. The necessity for improved infrastructure extends to the two main international economic corridors linking Georgetown to Brazil and Suriname, which are essential for enhancing trade and cooperation among these nations, especially with upcoming bridge constructions planned for improved connectivity.
In conclusion, the World Bank’s approval of the US$156 million Integrated Transport Corridors Project represents a strategic effort to modernize and fortify Guyana’s road infrastructure. By improving safety, resilience, and connectivity, this initiative addresses critical challenges posed by environmental factors and underdeveloped transport systems. Ultimately, these enhancements are expected to foster economic growth, facilitate trade, and connect communities more effectively.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
