CONSTRUCTION of the new four-lane highway linking Craig to Land of Canaan on the East Bank Demerara is approximately 50 per cent complete, with the Ministry of Housing targeting the first quarter of 2027 for completion of the road works.
Minister of Housing Collin Croal made the disclosure on Tuesday during an inspection of the ongoing works along the corridor, which is being developed in eight lots at an estimated cost of $52 billion.
Croal was accompanied by Deputy Director of Projects Intakab Indarjeet and senior engineers responsible for overseeing the project.
The highway is intended to provide a major alternative route for commuters travelling along the East Bank corridor and between communities and Georgetown, helping to improve connectivity and traffic movement.
Under the current phase, Land of Canaan will serve as the main exit point. The ministry is also examining the alignment for a possible extension from Land of Canaan towards Soesdyke.
Croal said the scale and complexity of the project have been influenced by the terrain, with significant sections of the highway being constructed across previously undeveloped swamp lands covered by dense vegetation.
The conditions have required extensive land preparation and the placement of substantial quantities of sand to raise the road corridor to the required elevation.
The terrain also requires adequate settlement periods before subsequent construction activities can proceed, particularly where large quantities of fill have been placed.
In addition to the four-lane roadway, the project includes drainage and irrigation infrastructure, culverts and other supporting works. Several major bridges required along the corridor will be constructed under a separate project.
Croal said drainage and irrigation systems are particularly important given the residential communities and agricultural activities surrounding the highway.
The Ministry of Housing has been working with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), which reviewed the drainage design and issued its no-objection.
During Tuesday’s inspection, Croal also assessed progress on Lots 2 and 3, where construction commenced later partly because of relocation exercises involving persons occupying lands within the proposed road alignment.
The relocation involved both legitimate landowners and persons identified as illegal occupants whose presence had to be addressed to facilitate the works.
Despite the delays, Croal said he was satisfied with the progress achieved and indicated that the ministry would continue working with the contractors to advance construction.
The ministry is also scheduled to meet with contractors responsible for the eight lots as efforts continue to accelerate work across the corridor.
When completed, the Craig–Land of Canaan highway is expected to provide motorists with an additional route along the East Bank Demerara, improve access between surrounding communities and strengthen connectivity with Georgetown.