—23 contractors on site as government delivers on commitment to residents

JUST weeks after committing to address residents’ concerns about deteriorating roads, Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, on Saturday, returned to the New LBI Housing Development on the East Coast of Demerara to inspect the progress of a major road rehabilitation programme now underway.
The follow-up visit comes after the minister met with residents on June 16, during which concerns were raised over the poor condition of roads throughout the developing housing scheme.
At the time, he assured residents that urgent intervention would be undertaken to improve access within the community.
Speaking during Saturday’s inspection, Minister Croal said the government is already delivering on that commitment, with approximately $1 billion in infrastructural works currently in progress across the western section of the development.
“We are here at LBI as a follow-up to a commitment we made to residents who had complained about the condition of the roads,” Croal said.
He explained that the New LBI Housing Development is one of the government’s major housing projects and is expected to extend all the way to Aubrey Barker Road.
“This is one of our major housing developments that will extend all the way to Aubrey Barker Road. On the western portion alone, we committed $1 billion in infrastructure works, and those works have already commenced,” the minister said.
Croal disclosed that 23 contractors are currently engaged in executing the road works, while contracts for the construction of the internal cross streets are in the final stages of being awarded.
“The cross streets will be constructed in concrete, and works are expected to commence within the next two weeks,” he added.
The minister also underscored the importance of protecting the substantial public investment, noting that the movement of heavily loaded trucks has already posed a challenge to road infrastructure in the area.

“Now that we are constructing these roads, another issue has emerged—the reckless use of the roads by heavy-duty trucks. Once the roads are completed, we will implement measures and restrictions to safeguard the integrity of the infrastructure. We will work with the relevant authorities to ensure these investments are protected for the benefit of all residents,” Croal said.
According to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), residents welcomed the minister’s return to the community and expressed appreciation that work had commenced shortly after the issues were raised.
Many residents noted that the ongoing improvements have already made a noticeable difference to accessibility within the scheme and said they are looking forward to the completion of the infrastructure project.