Independence Boulevard 75 per cent complete

The multi-million-dollar enhancement works along the Albouystown, Independence Boulevard is now 75 per cent completed.

This update was provided by Project Engineer, Ministry of Public Works, Nickesh Pargoo during a recent visit led by Minister within the Ministry, Deodat Indar. “The only thing remaining overall in the project is the asphaltic concrete road. The weather right now is giving us some challenges, but we are trying to get it done in time with the deadline,” Pargoo said.

The enhancement project is divided into three lots being executed by three contractors, RIM Construction, IB Contracting and Machinery Rental and C&L Construction Inc.

The 1.8 kilometres (km) project, which starts from Saffon Street to Cemetery Road, entails the construction of a three-lane carriageway with concrete drains and culverts, along with a three metres wide paved walkway, with lights, a garden and has commenced and is moving apace on the highly-anticipated US$260 million Demerara River Bridge, which will replace the current bridge that has outlived its span by some 40 plus years.

With a timeline of two years set by the government, this landmark infrastructure when completed, will alleviate traffic congestion on both sides of the river.

The project is being conducted by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, and is currently at the pile driving stage.

The announcement was made by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Edghill. “We are going to actually see a ramping up of pile driving in the actual river because the contractor is right now creating an area where you will have to cordon off to be able to start doing actual physical construction,” he updated.

ConstructionMinister Edghill said the construction team has already completed the driving of piles to establish four concrete batching plants, two on the eastern side and two on the western side.

These plants will play a vital role in providing a consistent supply of concrete, a crucial component in the construction process.

The process will advance further with the arrival of 250 containers of steel, which will be used to construct a temporary bridge along the alignment where the permanent bridge will eventually be located. This temporary structure will serve as a base for the construction of the main bridge, enabling the project to move forward smoothly.

Minister Edghill emphasised that the government is holding the contractor accountable for delivering the project within the stipulated time. “So work is progressing and we are holding them to the deadline so that engagement is continuing,” the minister stated.

This commitment ensures that progress remains steady, and any potential obstacles are promptly addressed. With such an approach, the new Demerara River Bridge is on track to becoming a significant addition to Guyana’s infrastructural landscape.

The new crossing will have a positive impact on economic activity allowing for improved movement of goods.

It will also create new opportunities for further urbanisation and development, attracting investment and stimulating growth.

The new hybrid designed bridge will feature a modern four-lane structure (two carriageways), cycle lane, with a 2.65 kilometres length, driving surface of about 23.6 metres or 77.8 feet, with a lifespan of some 100 years.

New drainage structures for Walton Hall, Western Hogg Island

seats.

Meanwhile, Minister Indar, during the walkabout, said that the project aims to ease traffic congestion. “The government has embarked on a massive project here to widen this corridor to make it a main artery for traffic coming in and traffic going out. It also serves as a catalyst for growth,” he emphasised.

This major project serves as another reminder of the government’s investment in the country and its people.

Consultation for the revision of the Local Content Act to begin soon – Attorney General

Consultation on the revision of the Local Content Act 2021 will commence shortly, as the government seeks to strengthen the legislation to ensure Guyanese adequately reap the benefits of the booming oil and gas industry. This disclosure was made by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, in recement comments.

Minister Nandlall stated that the government continues to receive numerous complaints of Guyanese not being afforded fair opportunities to participate in the new industry.

Recognising this as an issue, law revision has begun and consultations with the relevant stakeholders will begin shortly. “I want to ensure our viewers that this is an undertaking that is ongoing and the review will include consultations, which we will embark upon shortly,” the Attorney General assured.

The historic Local Content Legislation was passed in the National Assembly on December 29, 2021, and was subsequently assented to by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on December 31, 2021. It was designed to en -

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Persons residing in Regions Two and Three will benefit from better drainage and irrigation services as government plans to undertake major projects, including the construction of drainage structures.

The village of Walton Hall along the Essequibo Coast has been identified to receive a functional drainage structure, through the intervention of the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

The project is being undertaken in the village, as a result of it frequently being affected by flooding during the rainy season and high tides.

With proper drainage, there will be a reduction of soil and nutrient loss from runoff, which will also help in advancing agriculture in Walton Hall.

Similarly, the chances of soil erosion will be reduced, bringing great ease to the villagers of Coffee Grove, as there are plans to establish an irrigation structure there.

Another drainage structure will be constructed at

Salt Area, Western Hogg Island, along the Essequibo River in Region Three.

Meanwhile, persons living in Clay Brick at Canal No.2, West Bank Demerara (WBD), will see the construction of a bridge at the access road.

When the project is completed, it will give way for a better flow of traffic and the exportation of produce from farmlands to the market, among other benefits.

NDIA will also be rehabilitating the Spillweir Farm to Market Road at Canal No.2 WBD, while the area will also see the construction of a timber revetment.

Construction for these projects will commence as soon as the tendering process is finished.

As such, bids are currently opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

The engineer’s estimates for Region Two’s drainage and irrigation structures are $29,797,722 and $30,097,722, respectively.

While the estimate for Salt Area drainage struc - ture is $66,079,100 and the construction of the Access Bridge at Clay Brick is $25,396,750.

Engineer’s estimate for the rehabilitation of the Spillweir Farm to Market Road and the construction of a timber revetment there are $90,680,700 and $20,915,000, respectively.

Bidding is being conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedure, specified in the Procurement Act 2003.

Bid documents will be available from May 10 and can be uplifted from NDIA’s cashiers’ booth Finance Building at the Ministry of Agriculture, Regent Street, and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

Interested bidders can inspect the bidding documents and obtain further information from the NDIA procurement office during working hours. The bids can be submitted in a plain sealed envelope bearing no identification, to the chairman of the NPTAB, Ministry of Finance, at Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown no later than 9:00hrs on June 1st, 2023.