CONSTRUCTION has officially begun on the $11 billion Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam (Craig), East Bank Demerara four-lane extension project.

The initiative, which includes the construction of 4.6 kilometres of asphaltic concrete roads, serves as a continuation of the East Bank Demerara highway stretching from Mandela Avenue to Diamond.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the $11 billion allocated for the project encompasses two contracts for major revetment works at Buzz Bee Dam.

These revetment works play a crucial role in facilitating the smooth progress of the road construction.

The first phase of highway was the $2.6 billion Mandela Avenue to Eccles Road, which was commissioned in April 2022.

The second phase of the road (Heroes Highway) was extended from the Eccles Dumpsite Road to Diamond to the tune of $13.3 billion. This stretch was commissioned earlier this month and renamed in honour of the five Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks who died in the horrific helicopter crash.

Additionally, Minister Croal stated that the Eccles Industrial Road, which is connected to the roundabout, will extend from the Windsor Estate junction all the way to the East Bank Public Road.

The Eccles Industrial Road is one of the main connectivity points for the Ogle, East Coast Demerara to East Bank Demerara roads which are being executed through the Ministry of Public Works.