A detailed status update from GAICO Construction and General Services Inc. on the West Bank Road Expansion Project has contradicted public claims by U.S.-sanctioned businessman and self-proclaimed ‘opposition leader’ Azruddin Mohamed that the project has suffered significant delays.
The update, released this week, outlined confirmed timelines, completed milestones, and ongoing works, indicating that the assertions made during Mohamed’s recent visit to the project site were inconsistent with the project’s documented progress.
While GAICO did not name Mohamed, the account by the company has effectively exposed that the US-sanctioned Mohamed scripted claims have been made without any engagement with the contractor, engineers, or project managers on site to confirm timelines, scope adjustments, or construction challenges.
According to the status update, the West Bank Road Upgrade Project was awarded in December 2024 through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), with the official commencement letter issued in January 2025. Construction has progressed in accordance with revised engineering requirements typical of large-scale infrastructure projects implemented within active communities.
The update noted that several adjustments to the original scope of works were required to accommodate residents, businesses, and safety considerations along the corridor. These included carriageway realignments and design modifications, which were described as standard and necessary in densely populated areas.
Utility relocation was identified as the primary cause of unavoidable schedule adjustments, a challenge the update said is common across major public infrastructure projects nationwide. Bridge construction was also affected by utility conflicts and alignment changes aimed at minimizing disruption to surrounding communities.
Despite these constraints, the update confirmed that bridge works along the corridor are approximately 90 percent complete and are scheduled to be opened on or before February 28, 2026. Roadworks and drainage infrastructure remain on track for completion by June 30, 2026.
GAICO said the project continues to advance in line with established timelines and emphasized its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of public funds. The company also welcomed the government’s increasingly proactive coordination with utility providers to reduce delays and improve execution.
“The project continues to advance in the public interest and in keeping with the Government of Guyana’s commitment to safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure,” the company said.
The status update underscored that assessments of project performance should be based on verified engineering data and direct engagement with project teams, rather than public claims not grounded in project documentation.
