Govt to upgrade road links connecting Aubrey Barker Highway with Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, on Tuesday afternoon visited the new Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme, Region Four, to engage with residents and outline initiatives aimed at further improving the development, following a request from the community.

Accompanying the Minister were Engineers from the Ministry’s Projects Department, Mr. Esan Barry and Mr. Kwesi Thompson, Surveyor Mr. Travis Fields and staff of the Community Development and Enforcement and Compliance Departments.

The Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme comprises more than 450 completed two-bedroom and three-bedroom flat and elevated houses and is equipped with a police outpost, concrete roads and other essential infrastructure. The visit formed part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to follow up with residents after occupancy and address issues affecting the community.

During the engagement, Minister Croal announced plans to improve accessibility to the housing scheme.

At present, residents primarily access the scheme via ‘Red Road’. Through this new project, two principal roads on the eastern and western sides of the development will be upgraded to reinforced concrete, creating a direct connection to the Aubrey Barker Highway, which is located south of the scheme. The project will cover a total of 1,800 metres of roadway in length and each road will measure 6.1 metres in width. It is currently in the procurement phase, with the contract expected to be awarded within one month’s time.

“The residents are happy about this, because it means persons will be able to get to and from the East Coast of Demerara and Georgetown very quickly,” Minister Croal said.

The Minister also provided an update on the development of the community’s recreational ground, noting that the facility is being developed in phases. The area has already been fenced, while the next phase of works will include concrete drains, filling of the ground, and installation of the entrance gate.

The ground will also see the installation of lights, a bleacher and feature a designated play area to provide enhanced recreational opportunities.

Additionally, Minister Croal committed to working with the relevant agencies to resolve several concerns raised by residents, including street lights, treated water supply, drainage, electricity, roaming livestock, and community security. These matters will be addressed in collaboration with the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Minister Croal reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining close engagement with residents and continuing to invest in the development of the Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme.