World Bank approves US$156 million project to upgrade Guyana’s road infrastructure

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a new US$156 million project aimed at upgrading and rehabilitating Guyana’s road infrastructure. The Integrated Transport Corridors Project will focus on enhancing the country’s transport network in selected regions, making it more resilient to natural hazards and ensuring safer, more reliable mobility for residents.

Guyana’s road infrastructure, particularly in coastal regions, faces significant challenges. Over 60% of the country’s roads are small, with many situated on low-lying coastal plains. This makes them highly vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels, increased rainfall, and frequent extreme weather events such as storms and flooding. The devastating flooding in 2021 caused over $100 million in damage to the agriculture and transport sectors, highlighting the urgent need for improvement.

The country’s poor road conditions also hinder access to essential services like healthcare and education, disrupt economic activities, and isolate communities. Additionally, Guyana has a concerning road safety record, with a road mortality rate of 15 deaths per 100,000 people.

The new project will focus on upgrading and rehabilitating key road corridors across Guyana. It will prioritise improving resilience to natural hazards by implementing vital infrastructure enhancements, such as better drainage systems, slope stabilisation, and raised embankments to protect against erosion. These improvements will safeguard critical transport links that support agriculture, tourism, trade, and access to vital services like healthcare and education.

In addition to improving resilience, the project will address road safety and inclusivity. A comprehensive safety assessment of the primary road network will be conducted, followed by road safety audits on selected roads. The project will then implement engineering solutions like crash barriers, traffic calming measures, and dedicated lanes for non-motorised transport, such as pedestrians and cyclists. Special attention will be given to high-risk locations, including schools, hospitals, and markets. Mobility plans tailored to the needs of women and vulnerable groups will also be incorporated.

“Guyana’s rapid economic growth is putting increasing pressure on its infrastructure, while the growing risks from natural hazards, like flooding and storms, are further challenging the country’s systems. This project will help ensure that Guyana’s road network can keep pace with its growth by making it safer and more resilient,” said Diletta Doretti, World Bank Group Resident Representative for Guyana.

The project is funded through the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), the branch of the World Bank that supports the world’s low-income countries.

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