Region Three road development drives growth for small contractors, communities

R3PSInc Head, Halim Khan

THE Regional Chairman of Region Three, Sheikh Ayube, has praised President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for fulfilling his infrastructure commitments and creating job opportunities for small contractors and labourers in the region.
Ayube expressed satisfaction with the progress being made during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, emphasising the positive impact on communities such as Parfait Harmony, West Minister, Onderneeming, Lust-en-Rust, and Cornelia Ida (CI).
During a presidential walkabout in July, President Ali committed to improving roads in these communities, many of which had fallen into disrepair. President Ali also instructed that small contractors and labourers from the communities be employed for the project, helping to boost local employment.

According to Chairman Ayube, “His Excellency has fulfilled his commitments by awarding contracts to at least 80 small contractors to complete internal roads. Communities, like Parfait Harmony, which are densely populated, will soon see an end to the daily struggle of navigating deteriorated roads.”
Ayube further explained that the new roadways would not only enhance the aesthetics of the neighbourhoods but also improve the quality of life for residents. “The new roads will reduce transportation costs, save time, and offer better opportunities for families interested in investing in their own vehicles,” he said.

Regional Chairman for Region Three, Sheik Ayube.

In addition to the mainland developments, Ayube reported that nearly all the internal streets on the island of Leguan have been completed, with residents expressing gratitude for the improvements. Plans are also in place to begin road upgrades on the island of Wakenaam shortly.
The Regional Chairman highlighted that these infrastructure projects are part of a broader strategy to develop Guyana while creating opportunities for its citizens. “President Ali believes in the principle that no one should be left behind. Wherever people can thrive, opportunities will be created to improve their lives,” Ayube remarked.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, also visited the region on October 7 to review ongoing projects. He announced that nearly 50 kilometers of roadwork would be completed by the end of the year, using both rigid pavement and asphaltic concrete. This work is being undertaken by the Special Projects Unit (SPU) and small contractors as part of the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure across Region Three.

Meanwhile, from the private sector perspective, Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, reinforced that the involvement of small contractors in these government-led projects is a crucial step in building a self-reliant and thriving business environment in the region.
“The collaboration between the government and local businesses ensures that the benefits of these projects are felt widely. As more roadways are completed, I expect to see even greater growth and opportunities for everyone involved,” Khan concluded.
He continued: “The decision to engage small contractors from the local community has boosted confidence in the government’s development strategy. It’s creating a ripple effect where small businesses feel empowered and more willing to invest, knowing that they are an integral part of the region’s future.”

Khan explained that roads are the arteries of any economy, and, by upgrading infrastructure, President Ali has given Region Three a lifeline for future expansion. “This development is about more than just today’s projects—it’s about setting the stage for tomorrow’s opportunities.”
The ambitious road network upgrade, which involves collaboration among the SPU, Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), and other contractors, is expected to transform transportation in the affected areas. The initiative reflects President Ali’s broader vision of national development, with a focus on improving the lives of Guyanese through infrastructure improvements and job creation.