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January 29, 2026
January 29, 2026
January 29, 2026
Concerns over slow progress on bridge construction along the Corentyne Highway persist, more than two months after President Dr. Irfaan Ali issued a stern warning to contractors.
During a visit to Region Six in November 2025, President Ali criticised contractors and supervising engineers for poor performance, announcing stricter accountability measures, including penalties and possible exclusion from future government projects. Despite these warnings, work has remained slower than expected.
On Wednesday, Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill met with residents along the Canje Turn in Region Six and acknowledged ongoing delays.
“I am equally disappointed, and I make no excuses to any contractor anywhere at any time. But while I’m equally disappointed, we also have to face the reality,” Edghill said.
He cited technical and logistical challenges, including the need to relocate high-tension lines and major water pipes before piles could be safely driven for bridge construction.
“In order for us to get some of the bridges built, we have to do outages. We cannot drive piles with high-tension wires. In order for us to get the bridges built, you will see the big transmission pipes that we call the fat water pipe. You’ve got to move that out of the carriageway and cart it into a new utility, which will mean disruption to water for some time.
And it is these tough decisions Government will have to meet and engage with people for collaboration and cooperation,” he said.
Edghill stressed that any inconvenience would be temporary and essential for long-term benefits, adding that discussions are ongoing to accelerate construction.
The Corentyne Highway project remains a central element of the government’s infrastructure agenda, with residents and businesses closely monitoring progress and timelines.
