USA / GUYANA – In a significant development, the World Bank’s board of executive directors has approved a new initiative aimed at enhancing Guyana’s road infrastructure with a substantial investment of $156 million. The Integrated Transport Corridors Project is set to improve the nation’s transport network in targeted areas, making it more resilient against natural hazards while ensuring safer and more reliable mobility for citizens.
Guyana faces considerable challenges with its road infrastructure, particularly in coastal regions heavily susceptible to extreme weather events. More than 60% of the country’s road network consists of smaller roads situated on low-lying coastal plains, rendering them highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, increased rainfall intensity, and frequent severe weather occurrences. The significant flooding in 2021 inflicted over $100 million in damages to the agriculture and transportation sectors, highlighting the urgent need for upgrades.
Inadequate road conditions obstruct access to crucial services such as healthcare and education, disrupt economic activities, and isolate communities. Additionally, Guyana’s road safety is alarming, featuring a mortality rate of 15 deaths per 100,000 population.
The Integrated Transport Corridors Project will prioritize the upgrading and rehabilitation of key road corridors across selected regions in Guyana, focusing on enhancing resilience against natural hazards. It will implement vital infrastructure enhancements, including improved drainage systems, slope stabilization, and elevated embankments to prevent erosion, thus safeguarding crucial transport routes that facilitate agriculture, tourism, trade, and access to essential services like healthcare and education.
Road safety and inclusivity are central to the project’s objectives. This will involve comprehensive safety assessments of the primary road network and targeted road safety audits, leading to the installation of engineering solutions such as crash barriers and traffic calming measures. Dedicated lanes for non-motorized transport, including pedestrians and cyclists, will be established, with special attention given to high-risk areas around schools, hospitals, and markets. The project will also incorporate mobility plans that address the unique needs of women and other vulnerable groups, along with road asset management systems to foster safer transportation options.
“Guyana’s rapid economic growth is placing increasing pressure on its infrastructure, while the escalating risks from natural hazards like flooding and storms challenge the country’s systems. This project will enhance the safety and resilience of Guyana’s road network in line with its growth,” noted a representative from the World Bank Group.
This initiative is funded through the World Bank’s International Development Association, which supports low-income countries around the globe.
