Oct 12, 2026
2 min read
Approximately 498 acres in Leonora and Groen Veldt, Region Three, are being cleared for housing under a $9.1 billion Saudi-funded project to ease the backlog of house lot applications.
Housing Minister Collin Croal said contractors are clearing and preparing the land ahead of the installation of critical infrastructure. He spoke during a site visit last Friday.
Several housing units are already under construction in the area. The additional lands will accommodate new houses and house lot allocations, which will help reduce the number of pending applications in the region.
"This development is for the construction of houses and for allocation purposes, and so we are happy about the massive investment that is taking place," Croal said.
He said the project will also convert the existing dam separating Groen Veldt and Leonora into a four-lane thoroughfare. The road will link communities to the Schoonord-to-Parika highway, which is under construction.
The first phase will span approximately 7.7 kilometres, from the vicinity of Old Market Street, Leonora, to Canal Number One, where it will connect to the new highway network.
"Where I'm standing now will be converted to a four-lane highway or interconnecting road that will connect you from Leonora as part of the first phase that moves on to Canal Number One," Croal said.
The first phase is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027 and to improve access across the West Coast and West Bank Demerara corridors. A later phase will extend from the highway towards Canal Number Two, creating additional routes and supporting future residential and commercial investment.
Croal said the investment serves two purposes: expanding access to affordable housing and building a road network expected to stimulate economic activity and attract investment along the corridor. He added that road construction must be coordinated with housing development so new communities have good access and supporting infrastructure.
The works form part of the Government's wider investment in Region Three, including highways, housing schemes and supporting infrastructure. Land development is progressing on both sides of the proposed roadway.
Croal said further updates will be provided as construction advances towards the 2027 target.
