Craig to Land of Canaan highway advances as $52B road investment reshapes EBD

Minister of Housing Collin Croal on Tuesday inspected the ongoing construction of the Craig to Land of Canaan highway, a major road development being implemented across eight lots.

It is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

The site visit covered all eight lots, with the minister engaging contractors and assessing progress on the extensive road and bridge works being undertaken to improve connectivity among communities along the East Bank Demerara corridor.

The project forms part of approximately $52 billion being invested in the road network under the Ministry of Housing, with significant works required to traverse swamp areas, undertake substantial sand filling, construct bridges and establish the necessary drainage and irrigation infrastructure.

“We are here on a site visit for a continuation of the highway road that is being built under the Ministry of Housing,” Minister Croal said.

He noted that the Land of Canaan section will serve as a major exit point for the completed highway.

He explained that the development is being designed to provide connectivity similar to the Diamond to Craig extension, while creating improved access for residential communities and areas supporting agricultural activity.

“It’s simply because it’s important to connect the various communities here in East Bank of Demerara,” he said.

The minister highlighted the importance of drainage and irrigation systems, particularly given the presence of both residential and farming areas along the alignment.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has approved the drainage plans associated with the project, while the design for the major bridge planned at Land of Canaan has also received approval.

Minister Croal said the project requires careful execution given the conditions encountered along the alignment, particularly the need for adequate settlement and compaction of sand before further construction can proceed.

“Some of it cannot be rushed, you have to wait on time,” he said, adding that concrete bridge construction will also require adequate curing time to ensure the integrity of the structures.

The project includes several bridges, including a 300 span ft bridge, alongside extensive road, drainage and irrigation works required to traverse the challenging terrain.

Minister Croal said the scale of the works underscores the level of infrastructure required to establish a modern highway connection through the corridor.

Road works under the current project are expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

The minister said discussions with contractors will continue to ensure that works remain on schedule, while acknowledging that the technical requirements of the project mean certain stages cannot be accelerated without compromising construction standards.

The eight lots are being executed by Ashoka Buildcon Ltd, H. Nauth and Sons, a joint venture between R. Bassoo and Sons Construction Company and Qingjian Group Guyana Inc., a joint venture between S. Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc. and VALS Construction, a joint venture between Aronco Services Inc. and Build Smart Construction and Supplies, China Railway First Group Company Ltd, ProBuild Hardware and Construction Inc., and a joint venture between KP Thomas and Sons Contracting Inc. and Constructora Soma Ltd.