The World Bank has approved a US$156 million project to enhance Guyana’s road infrastructure and safety. The Integrated Transport Corridors Project will focus on upgrading road networks to withstand natural hazards and improve mobility. Key efforts include addressing drainage, stabilizing slopes, and ensuring road safety, particularly for vulnerable communities. This initiative responds to significant challenges posed by flooding and poor road conditions affecting economic activities.
The World Bank has authorized a significant US$156 million project aimed at improving Guyana’s road infrastructure, addressing pressing road safety concerns. The Integrated Transport Corridors Project seeks to enhance the country’s transport network, ensuring resilience against natural hazards and facilitating safer mobility. This follows a recent visit from a World Bank team and highlights the deteriorating state of road infrastructure, particularly in coastal areas vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Over 60% of Guyana’s road network consists of smaller roads situated on low-lying coastal plains. These roads are susceptible to rising sea levels, heavy rainfall, and frequent storms, resulting in major disruptions and economic losses. The 2021 flooding caused over US$100 million in damages, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure improvement.
The project aims to rehabilitate key road corridors with a specific focus on resilience and road safety, including enhancements to drainage systems and stabilization of slopes. Implementation will involve installing protective measures and creating dedicated lanes for non-motorized transport, addressing high-risk areas such as schools and hospitals, and developing plans to serve women and vulnerable groups.
Diletta Doretti, World Bank Group Resident Representative for Guyana, emphasized the need for improved infrastructure to support Guyana’s rapid economic expansion, especially given the increasing risks from natural hazards. This project is funded through the World Bank’s International Development Association, driven by Guyana’s newfound oil revenues.
Guyana ranks low in infrastructure quality, highlighting a significant gap in transport development. The lack of reliable connectivity to remote regions restricts access to essential services, affecting markets, healthcare, and education. An underdeveloped logistics sector further hampers agricultural productivity, limiting the ability to transport goods efficiently to markets.
Approximately 7,970 kilometers of roads exist within Guyana, with a small percentage classified as primary roads. Limited all-weather corridors linking Georgetown to other areas hinder the growth of trade and logistics. The ongoing construction of bridges aims to enhance connectivity with neighboring countries, facilitating economic cooperation and development in trade, tourism, and agriculture.
In conclusion, the World Bank’s US$156 million investment in Guyana’s Integrated Transport Corridors Project is a crucial initiative to improve road infrastructure and safety. By addressing vulnerabilities in the transport network and enhancing resilience against natural hazards, this project aims to facilitate economic growth and better access to essential services. The focus on inclusivity further reflects a commitment to holistic development in the region.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
