Guyana Embarks on Mega Infrastructure Program With $200 Million IDB Loan

Guyana has embarked on a mega infrastructure program aiming to overhaul its road and public health systems with a US$200 million loan provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The Caribbean country says it is investing $97 million to expand the operational capacity of dozens of major hospitals, making it easier for people to access diagnostic tests and medical consultations.

The initiative, which analysts see benefiting about half of the country’s population, also aims to increase the reach and efficiency of the public health system throughout the nation.

We also advanced our support to several member countries’ investments in #education, #health, #digitaltransformation, #infrastructure, and #water, with loan signings for #Barbados, #Guyana and #TrinidadAndTobago. #ResilientCaribbean pic.twitter.com/tKFxT187xK

— Inter-American Development Bank (@the_IDB) March 7, 2023

Ashni Singh, the country’s Finance Minister, stated that Guyana is also pooling funds to digitize the healthcare system, putting forward a plan to launch telemedicine services and creating a database of medical records.

The IDB has also approved funding for improving and extending the country’s major highways, especially the East Bank Demerara Corridor, a gateway to Brazil.

The East Bank of Demerara has remained underdeveloped despite its railroads and the rpessence of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The proposed highway is likely to ease the operations of businesses in food processing, mining, and forestry.

Improving the Corridor appears to be a priority for the current government, say analysts, pointing to President Irfaan Ali’s plan to build a ‘Silica City’ in Demerara.

“The IDB has been a reliable and dependable development partner to Guyana,” said minister Ashni Singh.