Budget 2025: $209.3B set to further develop roads and bridges infrastructure
The Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration has allocated a staggering $209.3 billion in the 2025 Budget to enhance Guyana’s road and bridge infrastructure, continuing its commitment to improving the country’s transportation network and addressing long-standing challenges.
In his address to the National Assembly, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, laid bare the inefficiencies and shortcomings of the previous administration’s handling of transport infrastructure.
“The period from 2015 to 2020 was also characterized, like with every other sector, by no new major investments in our country’s transport infrastructure. Instead, the then government contented itself with trying to complete projects that they inherited from us when we came to office,” Dr. Singh said.
According to the Minister, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration, since returning to office, constructed several roads, including the Heroes Highway, among others.
He highlighted that over 4,000 dilapidated community roads have been transformed into durable concrete or asphalt surfaces. Several infrastructural developments are slated for this year, including the new Berbice River Bridge, with an allocation of $5 billion, and the Linden to Mabura Road. “$74 billion was spent on community roads in 2024, and in 2025, we are allocating $53.2 billion for further improvements,” Dr. Singh announced.
In addition to road upgrades, a major focus is on hinterland infrastructure, with $9 billion budgeted for roads in these regions.Dr. Singh also shared plans to address air transport infrastructure, noting the completion of several hinterland airstrips.
He made mention of the strides being made at the Chedi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), with a new terminal building to be developed, for which $7 billion has been allocated. This world-class terminal will increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate growing international traffic.
Dr. Singh detailed a $9.9 billion investment in improving services for river transport, including the development of a new Parika Ferry Stelling and waterfront projects. “We are transforming the Parika Stelling into a major regional hub for transportation and socio-economic activity,” he stated.
