By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
The Ministry of Public Works has been granted a historic $227.2 billion allocation for the 2026 fiscal year, following a marathon session in the Committee of Supply, where Minister Juan Edghill was questioned about project delays and the lack of accountability frameworks for the nation’s largest infrastructure portfolio.
The budget, representing a significant share of national expenditure, is heavily weighted toward completing stalled capital projects and expanding road networks into mineral-rich hinterland regions.
Hinterland Connectivity: $10 Billion Breakdown
MP Dawn Hastings-Williams spearheaded the inquiry into the $10 billion earmarked for hinterland roads, questioning how the Ministry plans to avoid the “incomplete project” cycle of previous years.
The Roadwork Formula:
- Rollover Projects: $3.15 billion is dedicated to completing multi-year projects already underway in Regions 1, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
- New Infrastructure: $6 billion has been set aside for 235 new roadwork projects.
- Regional Impact: Minister Edghill emphasized that these projects are designed to lower the cost of living in remote areas by reducing transportation costs for goods and services.
Stellings and Ports: The $2.7B Maritime Push
Significant funding was also secured for maritime infrastructure, though the Minister faced criticism for the lack of specific completion timelines.
- Parika Port: Over $700 million is allocated for the construction of a new, modernized port facility at Parika, intended to be a major transit hub for the East Bank and Essequibo.
- Supenaam Stelling: $500 million will go toward critical upgrades to the Supenaam facility to accommodate larger vessels and increased passenger traffic.
Accountability and Security Concerns
Shadow Minister Janelle Sarwan raised alarms regarding a $13 million increase in the Ministry’s security budget. While Minister Edghill defended the rise as necessary to cover increased salary rates for personnel, he was notably reluctant to provide a full list of private contractors.
Security Providers Mentioned:
- Special Constabulary Force
- RK’s Security
- Sheriff Security
Further debate centered on the Ministry’s training programs. Minister Edghill argued that the high cost of training is an investment in “skilled engineers and technicians” capable of managing the complex, technology-driven infrastructure projects currently being undertaken across Guyana.
Moving Forward
Despite the intense scrutiny and opposition calls for more transparent “accountability frameworks,” the $227.2 billion budget was passed in full. The focus now shifts to execution, as the Ministry faces mounting pressure to deliver on its promise of a transformed national landscape, particularly for the underserved hinterland communities.
