Infrastructure drive delivers 12,000 projects, lifts jobs and connectivity

The Ministry of Public Works has executed more than 12,000 infrastructure projects nationwide and awarded over 5,000 contracts under the government’s development programme, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj said on Tuesday while defending Budget 2026.
Speaking during the budget debate, Ramraj said spending under his ministry has prioritised roads, bridges and transport links across all regions, including extensive works in hinterland Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten. He said the investments demonstrate that no community has been excluded from national development.
Ramraj pointed to economic indicators to support the government’s spending strategy, citing overall economic growth of 19.3 percent in 2025 and 14.3 percent growth in the non-oil economy. He described the results of public investment since 2020 as “visible and undeniable”.
Rejecting opposition criticism that expenditure has not delivered tangible benefits, Ramraj said growth in jobs, investment and consumer spending, alongside low inflation, reflect a healthy economy.
He said infrastructure projects have reduced transportation costs, opened new business opportunities and generated income for local communities, noting that more than 10,000 small contractors have benefited from Public Works contracts.
Ramraj also highlighted major national projects, including the new Demerara River Bridge, expanded sea and river defences, upgraded hinterland airstrips and improved ferry services, describing them as critical to economic diversification, climate resilience and national connectivity.
Budget 2026, he said, is anchored in growth, fairness and connectivity, with benefits being felt in everyday life through shorter travel times and improved livelihoods.