More than 11,000 small contractors across Guyana have applied for government contracts valued below $15 million.
President Dr Irfaan Ali made the disclosure on Monday while addressing residents in Region Three, noting that the large number of applicants reflects growing confidence in the country’s procurement system.
According to the president, the initiative targets small-scale contractors seeking opportunities in projects ranging from under $5 million to $15 million. He said the response was not accidental but the result of efforts to make the system more open and accessible.
In Region Three alone, approximately 1,500 contracts are expected to be awarded under the programme.
Ali explained that, in the coming days, authorities will begin identifying priority works in communities, including upgrades to playfields, drainage systems, burial grounds, health centres, schools, administrative buildings and recreational spaces.
These projects are expected to form part of a broader, long-term maintenance plan to ensure public infrastructure is properly managed and preserved.
The president also indicated that government intends to make greater use of public reserves and open spaces for community development, emphasising the need for these areas to be protected and utilised in a structured manner.
He said the approach will support community enhancement projects while improving access to recreational and public facilities.
At the same time, Ali stressed the importance of civic responsibility, urging citizens to adopt better practices, including proper waste disposal, as government continues to invest in infrastructure.
The announcement comes weeks after the Ministry of Public Works urged contractors to register with the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to qualify for projects below $15 million.
That initiative was designed to create more opportunities for small contractors while promoting transparency and fairness in the awarding of government contracts.
Ali maintained that the focus going forward will be on execution and delivery, with the government committed to advancing development projects across communities.
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