In a significant move to enhance Guyana’s coastal resilience, the Ministry of Public Works has signed contracts worth approximately $6 billion for the construction of critical sea and river defence structures along the country’s coastline. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to protecting its communities from the impacts of flooding and erosion.

The contracts, signed during a ceremony at the ministry’s Kingston office, involve the construction of vital sections of sea and river defences in several regions, including Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Specific areas targeted for these works include Cullen, Onderneeming, Good Hope, and Queenstown on the Essequibo Coast; Zeelandia, Maria’s Pleasure, and Marionville on Wakenaam Island; Amsterdam, Canefield, and Waterloo on Leguan Island; Den Amstel, La Jalousie, and La Retraite in West Demerara; Buxton, Garden of Eden, Friendship, Hope, Essex/Concord, and Mahaica in East Demerara; Belladrum/Washington and Abary on the West Coast of Berbice; and No. 58-62 Villages, Bengal, and Crabwood Creek in East Berbice.

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of work and ensuring the timely completion of these projects. He also reassured contractors that there would be no shortage of materials to carry out the necessary construction.

This investment is part of a broader strategy to develop Guyana’s coastal resilience. Over the past four years, significant strides have been made, including the construction of over 23,900 meters of new sea defence structures and the development of over 1,200 hectares of mangroves. These efforts combine ecological restoration with engineering techniques to deliver effective and sustainable coastal protection.

For the current year, the Public Works Ministry has been allocated an additional $8.2 billion to continue its sea and river defence programme, highlighting the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the country’s flood protection infrastructure.