THE Ministry of Public Works has finalised arrangements for the relocation of 59 vendors who currently operate along the Railway Embankment at Buxton, East Coast Demerara, as works move forward on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) Road Expansion Project.
Following a multi-stakeholder engagement on Wednesday with Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, it was agreed that a new vending tarmac will be constructed to accommodate the vendors who are presently located along the alignment of the road expansion works.
The agreement was reached through consultations involving the Buxton-Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), representatives of the Buxton vendors, consultant Beston Consulting Inc., and officials from the Ministry of Public Works.
According to the ministry, the relocation initiative is designed to facilitate the continued progress of the road expansion project while ensuring that vendors are not displaced from their economic activities.
During the engagement, Minister Edghill reassured vendors that their livelihoods would remain protected throughout the process.
“After the construction of the tarmac, the relocation exercise will not displace any vendor,” the minister said, while outlining that the new facility will include essential amenities such as washroom facilities and lighting to ensure comfort and security for vendors operating at the site.
The development of the new vending tarmac will allow for the orderly relocation of the vendors, clearing the roadway to allow contractors to continue construction works along the corridor.
The ministry noted that consultations with the vendors began as early as November 2025 when Minister Edghill and a technical team first engaged those affected to outline the relocation plans and explain how the process would unfold.
These discussions formed part of the government’s approach to keeping vendors informed while ensuring they remain accommodated as works progress along the East Coast corridor.

Meanwhile, preliminary works have already commenced at the designated relocation site, with contractors China Railway First Group (CRFG) beginning the clearing of land along the Buxton Line Top, next to the Buxton-Foulis NDC, where the new tarmac will be constructed.
The ministry said the site was identified through collaboration with the NDC and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to ensure a suitable and accessible location for vendors who will have to relocate.
The East Coast Demerara Road Expansion Project is one of the government’s major infrastructural undertakings aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing congestion and enhancing road safety for thousands of commuters who travel along the corridor daily.
The Ministry of Public Works said it remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition for the vendors and minimising disruptions as the relocation process progresses. Further engagements with vendors will be held as the project advances to ensure the relocation to the new vending area is carried out in an orderly manner.