Govt terminates $270.5M Back Street Diamond contract over delays

The Government of Guyana has terminated the contract for the rehabilitation and construction of Back Street in the Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), after the project fell significantly behind schedule, reaching only 55 per cent completion despite a July 2025 deadline.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, during an on-site inspection, confirmed that the Ministry has taken over the project through its Special Projects Unit, citing poor contractor performance and serious inconvenience caused to residents.

The project, listed as Lot 21 Rehabilitation/Construction of Back Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, was awarded to CB General Contracting Services Inc at a contract sum of $270.5 million.

Works commenced on November 18, 2024, with a completion date set for July 17, 2025, over a seven-month period. To date, $138.6 million has been expended, following an advance payment of $81.1 million. According to official project details, the scope of works includes the construction of a two-lane asphaltic concrete road, concrete drains, covered walkways and designated parking lanes along a 560-metre stretch with a width of 12 metres.

While approximately 80 per cent of the concrete drains have been completed, the installation of drain covers and walkways remains partial, and utility relocation involving Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is still ongoing.