What is the current state of the infrastructure sector in Suriname. What are some of the challenges and opportunities?
Well, there are two challenges at this moment. One is to upgrade the infrastructure to meet future needs and requirements. The other is to rehabilitate a lot of old constructions. If you go to the interior, you will see that a lot of bridges are no longer in place due to the impact of the internal war many years ago. Many have not been renewed since then.The second challenge is climate change. We are experiencing more rainfall and flooding. For example, Paramaribo and Vanika are facing higher water levels, which are becoming more of a disaster. So, these are the two main challenges right now.
What initiatives has the government undertaken to address these challenges?
We have set out a future plan, which includes a rehabilitation program for the roads, making them stronger and raising them slightly. In Paramaribo, a low-lying city, we’ve also started installing new pumping stations along the coast, which have been needed for 10 to 15 years. This is very urgent. Additionally, we are focusing on road safety with new signs and road markings, but this comes after the bigger investments are made. We also need to improve connections to neighboring countries, especially with bridges over the Corantyne River, where we currently rely on ferries.
What are some of the flagship projects currently underway to modernize Suriname’s roads, bridges, and facilities?
The government is focusing on major infrastructure projects. For instance, we’ve started rehabilitating the main road that goes from east to west. We’ve secured funding for this, and work has already begun on certain sections. Additionally, I’m advocating for a bridge over the Corantyne River and Marowijne river, which will improve the connection with our neighbors. This is something we’ve been discussing for many years.We’re also working on rehabilitating other bridges that were destroyed during the internal conflict. However, the bridge projects are significant investments and will take time.
What is your vision for building infrastructure that supports long-term economic growth and is resilient to climate change?
Our goal is to strengthen our infrastructure to be resilient to both extreme droughts and floods, which we’ve been experiencing more frequently due to climate change. We’ve decided to make our roads stronger, moving from a lower class to a higher class to support heavier traffic. Additionally, we’re rehabilitating sluices and pumps, which were not maintained properly in the past. We are also working to reinforce river dikes, especially in flood-prone areas like district Saramacca and Commewijne. The government is committed to ensuring that we improve the drainage systems and make infrastructure more durable in the face of climate change.
What is your vision for Suriname’s infrastructure over the next five years?
In the next five years, the primary focus will be on rehabilitating key infrastructure, including roads and drainage systems. A lot of real estate developments is going one in Paramaribo, so we have no choice to make especially Paramaribo livable. We are also planning to improve connections to communities and introduce new technologies in road construction to reduce CO2 emissions. Moreover, we hope that new harbors will drive growth in the shipping and logistics sectors. The challenge remains that we cannot accomplish all of this immediately due to budget constraints, but we are laying the foundation for long-term development.
A final message to Newsweek readers, considering Suriname as a potential investment or tourism destination, what would you tell them? What would you like to share with them about the country’s ongoing infrastructure developments?
For investors, it is important to know that we are working hard to improve infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges, to make transportation safer and more efficient. The investments we are making in infrastructure will be in place in the coming years, creating a more conducive environment for businesses. For tourists, Suriname has a lot to offer in terms of nature, with excellent biodiversity and opportunities for eco-tourism. While travel in the interior can be challenging, the coastal areas are easily accessible and offer a wealth of natural beauty.We’re also working to make Suriname more investor-friendly by introducing online platforms for company registration and a one-stop window for ease of doing business.
