Seven International Construction Firms Bid on Mahaica-to-Abary Bridge Road Upgrade in Guyana

Kaieteur News reported on October 29, 2026, that seven construction companies originating from China, India, Turkey, and Trinidad and Tobago have submitted bids for the rehabilitation and upgrade of the 27.1-kilometer Mahaica-to-Abary Bridge Road corridor on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). This information was released through the tender minutes issued by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), and all seven bidders have submitted both their Technical and Financial Proposals for the undertaking.

The submitted bidders include BSCPL Infrastructure Limited from Hyderabad, India; Sinohydro-12, which is in a joint venture with Powerchina Chengdu from China; Ashoka Buildcon Limited from India; HGG Insaat Anonim Sirketi, in partnership with Duygu Taahhut Ve Insaat Anonim Sirketi from Turkey; China Road & Bridge Corporation; China Railway First Group Company Limited; and Namilco Construction Services Limited from Trinidad and Tobago, in a joint venture with Guyamerica Construction Inc.

Kaieteur News indicated that while some of the bidders have prior experience with major construction projects in various parts of Guyana, companies such as BSCPL Infrastructure Limited and HGG Insaat Anonim Sirketi have not previously executed projects within the country.

Separately, a Facebook post on the India High Commission page mentioned that a team from BSCPL Infrastructure met with High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik on Tuesday to discuss its investment plans for Guyana. The post stated that the High Commission anticipates fostering greater trade and investment connections between India and Guyana as BSCPL Infrastructure explores long-term investments in the Guyanese economy.

Regarding the road project, the Public Works department's initial request for bids stated that the Government of Guyana received financing from the World Bank for the Integrated Transport Corridors Project (ITCP) and plans to use a portion of those funds for payments under the contract for the Improvement (Rehabilitation and Upgrade) of the Selected Regional Road Corridor -Reconstruction of Existing Road Network on the East Coast Demerara – Lot 1: Mahaica Bridge to Abary Bridge Road Corridor (Km. 0+00 – Km. 27+10).

The ministry specified that the project involves constructing 27.1 kilometers of asphalt concrete road along the Upper East Coast Demerara corridor in Guyana, running from the Mahaica River Bridge to the Abary River Bridge. The tender document detailed that the scope of work encompasses a dual carriageway featuring two lanes in each direction, separated carriageways, and paved shoulders measuring between 1.0 m and 1.5 m wide. The ministry explained that the works include, but are not limited to, the improvement (rehabilitation and upgrade) of approximately 27 km of roadway. Furthermore, the works involve relocating existing utilities within the work limits, constructing 10 prestressed precast concrete bridges with spans of 10-15m, installing 750m of precast box culverts, laying 20,120m of in-situ concrete drains, 17,040m of earthen drains, installing road furniture and traffic safety facilities for road safety improvements, and other ancillary tasks as detailed in the contract documents. The public works also noted that the contract is anticipated to be finished within 36 calendar months from the start date.

Kaieteur News had previously reported that the reconstruction of the Existing Road Network on the East Coast Demerara consists of Lot 1, which involves improving approximately 27 kilometers of roadway and related roadway structures, and Lot 2, which entails the extension or construction of the three main bridges: the Mahaica River, Mahaicony River, and Abary River Bridges.

In October 2025, the Department of Public Information announced that the government had signed a US$156 million loan agreement with the World Bank for the Integrated Transport Corridors Project (ITCP). This article stated that the World Bank approved the project in early 2025, and it is intended to assist Guyana in upgrading and rehabilitating its road infrastructure, focusing on enhancing the transport network in selected regions to provide infrastructure capable of withstanding natural hazards while ensuring safer and more reliable movement for people.

In July 2026, this publication reported that Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and his team met with various stakeholders, including residents, business owners, religious leaders, motorists, and others, to discuss the planned reconstruction of the ECD road corridor between the Mahaica and Abary bridges. At that time, the ministry reported that the four-lane highway was designed for a 20-year lifespan and would be built in three lots, with initial rehabilitative work commencing on Lots 1 and 2. The upgrade was slated to include widened lanes with a median, street lighting, raised crosswalk features, signage for pedestrians and cattle crossings, rumble strips, and enhanced junctions. Residents voiced concerns regarding land acquisition, drainage, and the future of historic railway structures along the route. A project consultant mentioned that options for preserving these structures, some considered monuments, are being examined and that they would not be discarded outright. Edghill added that any modifications to drainage would necessitate approval from a hydrologic engineer at the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, noting that similar issues had been resolved on other projects across the nation.

Concerning land acquisition, Edghill stated that affected property owners would receive fair market compensation, as mandated by the constitution, and would not be disadvantaged.