A loan for the reconstruction of the Linden/Soesdyke Highway has been approved, President Irfaan Ali announced today during an impromptu visit to Linden, Region 10.

“The loan has been approved a few days ago,” President Ali disclosed while engaging residents at Wismar in Linden.

The Government had applied to the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) for a US$120 Million loan to execute the project, and it would appear, based on the President’s pronouncements, that the loan has been approved.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Government, through the Ministry of Public Works, is now looking to pre-qualify contractors and or firms for the reconstruction of the 72.43km two-lane, single-carriageway highway. An advertisement to that effect has been published in the local newspapers.

“The scope of work entails milling of existing asphalt surface course, application of varying pavement structures above the milled sections of pavement inclusive of asphalt, sand asphalt, and sub-base; full-depth pavement reconstruction in certain sections, construction of two roundabouts along the alignment, sidewalks extension to nine multi-span bridges, drainage work and utility relocation, and installation of roadway lighting,” DPI explained.

The deadline for applications for prequalification is November 23, 2022.

President Ali also spoke of the construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River at Linden and the reconstruction of the Linden-Mabura Hill Road.

“The Linden to Mabura Hill Road will open up a lot of opportunities for Linden to become a major service hub but we also have to ensure that we train the young people in heavy duty [machinery]…,” the President said.

Mr. Ali further disclosed that in the near future, his Government will be launching a Technical Training Programme in Linden to complement programmes currently being offered by the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) and Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

“Very soon, you will see that we are launching a Technical Programme in Linden…aimed at identifying the young people, training them as heavy-duty operators, training them as mechanics. So, we will be training them to get into the workforce, to get employability, so that’s another major thing that we are doing,” the President explained.

President Ali said based on his interactions with residents across the various communities within Linden, there is a high demand for recreational facilities, and as such, his government will be looking to address that need.

“There is a heavy demand for recreational facilities. While we are completing the synthetic track, whilst we are working on the Mackenzie Club Ground and the basketball court, in these small communities, we are going to come in and see where we can partner with you and work on projects that support young people, support sports, and support development,” he told the residents at Wismar.

The President also spoke about agricultural development in the district.

The president and his ministerial team, which included Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, also visited Central Mackenzie, and Central Amelia’s Award, Linden.

During those engagements, residents of the various communities used the opportunity to raise issues relating to agricultural development, infrastructural development including the need for upgraded roads, sports development and the need for greater employment.

The visit started at 6 o’clock on Monday morning in Amelia’s Ward. Regional and Town Council Officials were not made aware of the Presidential visit and were not invited to any interactions with the Presidential team, according to officials in the region.

Related posts:

Government inks loan agreements for new Mackenzie/Wismar bridge and housing communities expansion Mother of two dies in Soesdyke-Linden highway accident Government awaiting approval of $24 billion in financing for Soesdyke/Linden highway repairs 150 families along Linden/Soesdyke Highway get potable water for very first time