– Lamaha Road expansion set for completion end of July
-says Minister Edghill 

ACKNOWLEDGING the inconveniences caused by ongoing infrastructural development across the country, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to minimising delays in community development programmes.
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Edghill provided updates on the progress of the Lamaha expansion project, emphasising its importance in enhancing connectivity between Vlissengen Road and Middleton Street, Georgetown.

“The delay on this Lamaha project is unacceptable, but now that it is moving forward, we are expecting it to be completed by the end of this month,” Minister Edghill stated, acknowledging the challenges that have hindered the project’s timeline. He expressed gratitude to the affected residents for their patience, underscoring the government’s dedication to delivering quality infrastructure that meets community needs.

Minister Edghill additionally stated that the road not only provides advantages for the residents in the vicinity, but also serves a wider function for the overall community. In his statement, he emphasised the significance of this road as a connecting route for both the residents of the area and the users of the wider thoroughfare, allowing seamless travel from Vlissengen to Sheriff Street.
Furthermore, it was noted by the Minister that the connecting roads extend from Lamaha to conversation tree, and further to Sheriff Street in a western direction.

“Our aim as a government has always been to aid in the development of our people, starting from a community level. In every region across Guyana, there are highways and community roads that are being built, and the small contractors from within those communities are being given the contracts, while others are being given the opportunity to gain meaningful employment. However, while we are creating employment for our people, we will not accept substandard or incomplete work from anyone,” Minister Edghill added.
Additionally, the Public Works Minister has affirmed that the ongoing construction projects on the East Coast of Demerara Highway; Thomas Lands, and nationwide are expected to alleviate traffic congestion and provide individuals with enhanced accessibility to their designated destinations.

Minister Edghill went on to elaborate, stating, “In the context of a developing nation, one can reasonably expect a rise in both population size and traffic congestion on roadways.”

However, “we have to put measures in place so that we can deal with all of this. So, while we may all be inconvenienced at some point in time due to the massive development that is taking place across this nation, we must also remember that it won’t be like this forever.”
He concluded: “I hope our Guyanese brothers and sisters realise that whatever President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his government are doing is for more than just tomorrow, it is to provide long-term benefits to our children and our children’s children.”
Based on reports, Devcon Inc. and Sawa Investment Inc. were granted contracts for the Lamaha expansion project, with a total value of $306.6 million and $192 million, respectively. The project was divided into two distinct phases.
The project, which began on November 21, 2022, involves the removal of existing asphalt surfaces, reconstruction and expansion of roads, installation of rigid paved shoulders, and construction of reinforced concrete retaining walls and drainage systems.