By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
CONSTRUCTION on the Corentyne Highway expansion continues to gather momentum, with works on the project’s second lot progressing ahead of schedule.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj, recently provided an update during one of the ministry’s fortnightly inspections of the ongoing project, expressing satisfaction with the pace of construction and the contractor’s performance.
According to the minister, the massive highway expansion has been divided into three sections; lots one, two and three, with significant progress being recorded on Lot Two.
“The expansion of the Corentyne Highway is in three lots, Lots One, Two and Three, and so we are in the second lot here and work is moving rapidly in this lot,” Ramraj said during the July site visit.
He noted that major drainage works have already been completed, marking an important milestone in the project. With that phase finished, contractors have shifted their attention to preparing the roadway itself.
“As you can see, both of the drains have been completed and now crush and run, the main aspect of the road, has to be done. This contractor is moving very fast indeed,” the minister stated.
Ramraj said the progress made so far has exceeded expectations, with the contractor outperforming the scheduled targets.
“We are very happy that they are on schedule,” he said, noting that by this stage of construction, the project was expected to have reached approximately 22 percent completion.
Instead, work had already advanced to 23 percent.
“So, they are above where they should have been,” the minister added.
Minister Ramraj has maintained regular fortnightly inspections to monitor progress, ensure quality standards are met and keep the project on track for completion.
“We are very happy what is happening here right now, even though we are in extended weather, you can see work is progressing rapidly here right now.”
The Corentyne Highway expansion is one of the government’s major infrastructural investments aimed at modernising Guyana’s road network.
Once completed, the upgraded highway is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, strengthen road safety and support increased economic activities along the Corentyne corridor.
“They will have a perfect four-lane road, less wear and tear on their vehicle[s], more trade expected to move between Suriname and you know His Excellency several times spoke about bridging Suriname up to Brazil, roadways, bridges, etc, so it’s more training, more development; it is moving our country to the next level.”
Meanwhile, a representative of the company, China Road and Bridge Corporation, carrying out the works on the second lot stated that “so far, we have gotten very firm and very good support and so far, we are pleased about what we are achieving and our target… as for the weather and the land here, we are pleased with that you know sometimes the weather is very good.”
The company has been on the ground for 11 months now, “and we are trying to stick with the progress that goes well…”