In keeping with its promise to boost infrastructure and employment across Guyana, the Government has made significant strides in Region 6 (East Berbice–Corentyne) through a targeted programme of road rehabilitation. Since 2020, more than 150 local roads have been rehabilitated or newly constructed across the region, improving transportation, accessibility, and economic mobility for thousands of residents. This initiative is not just a matter of upgrading pavements—it is a holistic approach to economic empowerment and rural revitalization.
According to the Ministry of Public Works, the ongoing rehabilitation of community roads has created more than 5,000 jobs in the region, spanning roles in road construction, materials transport, engineering supervision, and long-term maintenance. These employment opportunities have predominantly benefited local workers, many of whom had limited access to consistent income before these projects. This aligns with the government’s broader development strategy of ensuring infrastructural investment also translates into meaningful job creation at the community level (Ministry of Public Works, 2024).
Local areas such as New Amsterdam, Port Mourant, Albion, and Canje have seen substantial improvements in road quality, reducing travel time, lowering vehicle maintenance costs, and facilitating smoother access to schools, hospitals, and markets. Small farmers and vendors now transport their produce with greater ease, bolstering food security and supporting micro-enterprise. This multiplier effect of infrastructure development is central to the government’s vision of shared prosperity and inclusive growth, particularly in historically underserved regions (Office of the President, 2024).
Importantly, the roadworks initiative has been guided by a focus on community-driven development. The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has emphasized the importance of working with Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and community leaders to identify priority areas and ensure local participation throughout the project lifecycle. This has enhanced accountability, increased efficiency, and fostered a greater sense of ownership among residents (Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, 2024).
As Guyana’s economy continues to evolve, strategic investments like these in Region 6 show how national growth can be made tangible for ordinary citizens. The combination of infrastructure and employment is not only transforming the physical landscape of East Berbice–Corentyne but also reinforcing social stability and economic resilience in the region. By turning road building into a platform for empowerment, the government is demonstrating that real progress is best measured not just in kilometers paved, but in lives improved.
