500 encroachments under review as Corentyne Highway expansion progresses

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Construction has officially commenced on the third lot of the East Berbice–Corentyne Highway four-lane expansion, with around 500 encroachments along the roadway currently under review, the Minister of Public Works said on Wednesday.
Minister Bishop Juan Edghill met with residents along the Canje Turn in Region Six as work began on Lot Three, which stretches from Number 55 Village to Moleson Creek.

The overall project is divided into three lots to allow phased implementation: Lot One runs from the Canje Bridge to Johns, Lot Two from Bloomfield to Number 54 Village, and Lot Three continues to Moleson Creek. Work on Lot One has already started.
“National transformation and connectivity is about giving people greater access,” Minister Edghill said. “The Palmyra–Moleson Creek project is already signed and awarded to two contractors. Work has started, and we have to keep the work moving,” he added.

The minister noted that the encroachments extend beyond roadside stalls, with some residents bringing out fences or extending homes onto government reserve land.
“Encroachments don’t only mean stalls on the roadside. People have brought out their fences, and some have even extended their homes onto the government reserve. It’s a matter of collaborating with everybody for relocation to give us the required width, and that’s what we are engaged in here,” he said.

Minister Edghill said the government is committed to working with affected residents to resolve the issue amicably, ensuring the expansion proceeds while balancing development needs with community concerns.
The four-lane highway is expected to improve traffic flow, safety, and economic activity along the East Berbice corridor once completed.