In the past four years, developments in the oil industry have driven transformational change in Region Three, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Guyana. Oil-related projects have led to numerous infrastructural and developmental initiatives, significantly improving socioeconomic conditions in the area.
These initiatives include:
The Gas-to-Energy project, one of the most ambitious initiatives in Guyana’s history, will transport offshore natural gas to an onshore processing plant in Wales in Region Three. Electricity generated by this integrated facility will reduce Guyana’s reliance on heavy fuels for power generation and cut energy bills.
Head of Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc.), Halim Khan said the project will “reduce electricity costs across Guyana, enabling industrial growth and household savings.”
Region Three Chairman Ishan Ayube said the Region is also looking forward to a reduction in the price of cooking gas, as he is reliably informed that this will be one of the project’s positive impacts.
The Gas-to-Energy project is already generating much-needed jobs for Guyanese, and its operational phase promises sustained employment for even more locals. A 2021 project summary projected that it would employ at least 700 people during construction and add scores of new jobs in the operations and decommissioning phases.
Access to affordable, stable energy and natural gas liquids (NGL) will propel agro-industrial development and expand the agriculture sector, a significant contributor to the regional economy.
The Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase
The Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase, constructed on reclaimed land in the Demerara River and connected to Region Three, is another vital oil and gas infrastructure project. This facility will support ExxonMobil Guyana’s Yellowtail project, which is set to start production in 2025. It assists local content initiatives by employing locals and procuring Guyanese goods and services.
Khan noted that this benefit “positions Region Three as a gateway for industrial expansion.”
The New Demerara Harbour Bridge
The Guyana government is building a modern, high-span four-lane bridge across the Demerara River to replace the aging structure that often causes traffic delays. This new bridge will seamlessly connect Region Three to Region Four, improving productivity and boosting trade. The government expects the bridge to enhance the efficiency of oil related infrastructure in Region Three by facilitating faster and more reliable transportation.
Khan said, “This bridge will drastically improve connectivity between Regions Three and Four, reducing commute times and boosting trade.” Roads and Housing Oil-related investments in upgrading and constructing roads in Region Three are enhancing connectivity and opening up new areas for development.
The biggest was the GYD15.1 billion Schoonord to Crane Highway that opened in Q3 2024 with roundabouts at each end. Improved roads ease transportation for residents and businesses, while new road networks create opportunities for housing developments. This allows more Guyanese to access affordable house lots. President Dr. Irfaan Ali said the government will develop 15,000 house lots in the region by 2025.
Healthcare and Water
The health sector in Region Three is also growing. The Sheriff Medical Center, a private hospital in Leonora, has decentralized healthcare services by offering advanced medical care closer to residents. Meanwhile, the government is constructing the De Kinderen Regional Hospital and expects it to be completed by Q2 2025.
Ayube suggested that the GYD6.6 billion hospital “might outstrip Georgetown in terms of equipment” and will create jobs as it “will need about 600 people to have that facility going.” These developments will ensure that residents and those passing through the region from the hinterlands can access state of-the-art medical care without needing to travel to Georgetown, Ayube said.
Ayube added that Region Three residents will get clean and reliable water supplies. In November, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) announced the completion of a GYD847 million water treatment plant at Parika. GWI said a new well is being drilled to serve residents from Greenwich Park to St. 30 Lawrence.
Ayube said plants are being built or rehabilitated at other locations, including Leguan, Vergenoegen, La Parfait Harmonie, and Wakenaam.
Synthetic Track and Field Facility
The Synthetic Track and Field Facility in Leonora has become a pivotal venue for sports and other events. It supports local and national sporting activities and is a platform for hosting non-sporting events. In 2022, ExxonMobil and other stakeholders in the oil sector held a supplier forum at the facility to offer opportunities for residents in the oil sector.
Region Three is experiencing rapid growth due to oil-related projects alongside other developmental initiatives. Khan said that the Gas-to-Energy project and the Vreed-en Hoop Shore Base are pivotal in attracting investments and creating sustained employment opportunities.
“Employment opportunities in Region Three have notably improved, especially for youth. The expansion of oil and gas projects, combined with investments in infrastructure and health services, has led to direct and indirect job creation,” he said. Region Three is on the brink of becoming a hub for industrialization and economic development, thanks to affordable energy, enhanced connectivity, and improved infrastructure.
Agricultural advancement, expanded healthcare services, and thriving sports facilities have improved the quality of life. These advantages provide a strong foundation for sustained growth in one of Guyana’s most populous regions.
