Labour shortages: Ogle to Eccles road contractor forced to import drivers

But the construction sector is not the only field where labour shortages are increasingly becoming a bugbear. Edghill emphasised that there is a “growing demand” for labour in most sectors because of the economic development ongoing across Guyana.

In the oil and gas sector, for example, he said there is a need for numerous certified welders; in the hospitality sector, hundreds of workers will soon be needed once the hotels under construction are completed.

In his own ministry, the Public Works Minister said more design engineers, project managers and quality control specialists are needed.

Because of the growing labour needs, Edghill urged Guyanese to capitalise on the government’s training offers.

These shortages are unfolding as Guyana, over the past few years, has experienced substantial economic growth linked to an expanding oil and gas sector. The growth in that sector is contributing to the development of other productive sectors.