The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved funding for the upgrading of 121 kilometres of road from the town of Linden to Mabura Hill in Region Ten.

The project was announced today and it aims at improving connectivity between Guyana’s hinterland and the coast.

According to the CDB, the project is the first phase of a wider plan to develop a transportation corridor from Georgetown to Lethem on the southwest border; connecting the Port in Georgetown with northern Brazil.

“The upgrading of this portion of the largely unpaved road from Linden to Mabura Hill is more than an infrastructure project. It will include social safeguards that will ensure residents benefit from the road development; and environmental protections, to preserve the ecosystem. The project will also include activities to mitigate risks associated with increased development, which will build social resilience in the communities along the corridor and preserve the rights of vulnerable groups”, said CDB Acting Vice-President (Operations), Diana Wilson Patrick.

The US$190-million project is being funded by a US$112-million loan from CDB, a grant of £50 million (US$66 million) from the Government of the United Kingdom through the CDB administered United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund, and a contribution of US$12 million from the Government of Guyana.

It represents the largest project that CDB has financed in its 50 years of existence.

The Acting British High Commissioner to Guyana, Ray Davidson said the UK’s support to the Linden to Mabura Hill Road Project demonstrates its strong commitment to Guyana.

The project will be critical for the development of Guyana’s north-south connection.

It will contribute significantly to economic development and social inclusion, while being climate resilient, the Acting High Commissioner added.

The unpaved 450-kilometre road from Linden to Lethem, is often impassable in the rainy season due to flooding along low-lying sections of the road.

The upgraded road corridor will provide connectivity between Linden and Mabura Hill, improving conditions for local and long-haul transport which can increase trade between Guyana and Brazil.

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