– stresses need to prioritise encumbrances, deploy additional teams to fast-track works

CONCERNED about delays on the East Bank Public Road rehabilitation and expansion project, President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, pressed contractors and engineers to implement measures aimed at restoring the works to schedule ahead of its anticipated completion this year.
During the meeting, the Head of State emphasised the importance of the project and its timely completion. He underscored that the focus was on the contractor’s strategy to bring the works back on schedule.
According to a press statement from the President the project is currently about 62 per cent complete but should have been closer to 78 per cent.
The release noted that teams are working on a 24 hour basis and that additional crews will be deployed at the extreme ends of the project from June 20, 2026, to accelerate progress.
President Ali also directed that wherever subsurface works have been completed, those sections should be fully finished, and he stressed the need to prioritise fixing encumbrances and entrances to residents’ homes expeditiously.
Road works are expected to be completed before Christmas this year and will provide residents and commuters along the East Bank, especially those travelling to and from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), with a faster and more efficient route.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Mandall Ramraj, also attended Wednesday’s meeting.
The US$75.8 million project, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is divided into three sections to help minimise disruption and keep construction on schedule.
While the current contract involves upgrading the road to two lanes, during a consultation in May 2025, it was revealed that the government is exploring the option of expanding the corridor to four lanes from the Timehri Police Station to the Soesdyke Junction. This would require full use of the 80-foot government reserve.
Following reports of crippling traffic congestion reported along the corridor due to poor management of the project last year, President Ali had instructed Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken to establish a permanent presence along the corridor, utilising a containerised control system that will manage traffic and identify violations.
Specific measures proposed then included establishing a permanent traffic management system with drone support, deploying technology for 24/7 monitoring, and implementing an early warning system to handle congestion and unforeseen circumstances.