Works on Lot 2 of the Palmyra to Moleson Creek Road Expansion Project are advancing steadily, with the drainage network on both sides of the roadway now completed, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj said during a recent inspection of the project.
The project is moving rapidly and remains ahead of schedule despite challenges caused by extended periods of wet weather, the minister said.
“This is our fortnightly visit to this project. As you’re aware, the Corentyne Highway has three lots; Lot 1, Lot 2 and Lot 3 and we are in the second lot here, and work is moving rapidly in this lot,” Minister Ramraj said. “As you can see, both of the drains have been completed, and now the cross-channel run, the main aspect of the road, has to be done. This contract is moving very fast indeed, and we are very happy that they are on schedule.”
Ahead of Schedule
Lot 2, which stretches from Bloomfield to Number 54 Village of the four-lane highway upgrade, is currently being executed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
Minister Ramraj disclosed that the project has exceeded the expected progress mark, adding that the contractor has maintained strong momentum and that similar progress is expected to continue as construction advances.
“This second lot is about 23.3 per cent, and we should have been at about 22.8 per cent, so they are above where they should have been,” he said.
The minister also provided an update on the contractor’s other ongoing works on the East Bank of Demerara, noting that the major components of that project are nearing completion, with only final activities such as road marking remaining.
He explained that the completion of the expanded highway will significantly improve transportation and connectivity for residents along the Corentyne corridor, adding that the improved road network forms part of broader plans to enhance regional connectivity.
“We are expecting movement between Suriname, and you know that His Excellency has several times spoken about bridging from Suriname up to Brazil, roadways, bridges, etc. It’s more training, it’s more development, it’s moving our country to the next level,” he said.
Contractor Confident
Meanwhile, representatives from CRBC, the company executing Lot 2 of the project, said they remain confident in meeting construction targets.
Yuelong, who serves as a translator for CRBC and is commonly known as Tom, said the company has received strong support from the Government and project engineers since the commencement of work in Guyana.
He explained that the project has been progressing well despite occasional challenges, including weather conditions, demolition works and shipping issues.
“Ever since the commencement, it’s 11 months now, and we are ready to stick with the progress. That is what we are confident with,” Yuelong said.
Addressing concerns about the demolition of some residents’ bridges to facilitate drainage works and road expansion, Tom explained that such measures were only necessary where structures were found to be physically encroaching on the road reserve.
“Only in cases where their house is physically in contact or there is a physical encroachment, that shall happen,” he said.
He added that while discussions with some residents were not always easy, cooperation was received, with assistance from the minister and project engineers helping to resolve issues.
The Palmyra to Moleson Creek Road Expansion Project is expected to play a major role in improving road safety, reducing travel time and supporting economic development in Region Six and beyond.
