Lands are currently being cleared on the Linden Soesdyke Highway for the construction of Guyana’s new urban centre outside its capital city of Georgetown – Silica City.
The land clearing will initially focus on some 185 acres out of a first phase consisting of 3,000 acres and this will be used to create the ‘Innovation Village’ and the first 400 young professional homes.
The idea of Silica City is primarily born out of the need for Guyana to have an urban centre that is complementary to the existing capital. Silica City is envisaged to tackle the issue of non-coastal urban settlement development and the challenges of climate change and sea-level rise.
With the growth of the oil and gas industry, new population centres will become necessary as the South American country’s economy continues to expand, attracting a growing number of people to its shores.
The project has attracted major investor interest, the latest being from India, according to Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.
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At a press engagement on Jan. 17, Ali noted that discussions were held with the Indian government on how it can support the creation of Silica City. A team of Urban planners is also expected to visit Guyana from India, in this regard, the President shared.
A total of 12 zones are planned for the city, including the residential zone, which will occupy the largest area of 2,146 acres. The smart city interventions are intended to feature residential and non-residential areas, a tourism district, a conservationist district, sustainable urban drainage, alternative energy, technology, waste management and agriculture.
Plans for the residential areas include accommodation of a variety of plot sizes and housing types, and a supporting neighbourhood hub with necessary community facilities. The non-residential areas would include a high-end central business district that amplifies commerce, entertainment, and technology, with vibrant streetscapes and aesthetics.
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The city, it is envisioned, will have an accessible and multi-modal road network to accommodate an array of transit and pedestrian types. OilNOW understands that government intends for a rail network to be built into the city.
On the technology side, the government plans closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras throughout the city, established innovation centers, and matrix barcodes for access to maps and facilities.
