The Government of India has approved funds for the construction of a bypass road from Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara, to Eccles on the East Bank.Making the disclosure today, was Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, in his inaugural address to Parliament.
Prior to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) demitting office in May 2015, former President Donald Ramotar, had secured the commitment of US$50M loan from the Indian Exim Bank to fund the project.
But when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) took the reins of government that year, it made alterations to the designs, consequently quadrupling the cost.
The loan agreement was ultimately signed two years later by the former Finance Minister under the APNU+AFC, Winston Jordan. Following the PPP/C’s return to office after the March 2020, General and Regional Elections, the designs were readjusted and subsequently submitted to the Indian government.
President Ali said today, “We received the news that all the approval has been given in India, and we are now moving to the procurement stage. This project was delayed for almost seven years…Today, we are on the journey of accomplishing this, and bringing relief to the people of Guyana.”
