The Ministry of Public Works, in collaboration with China Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC) and Sheladia Associates Inc hosted a stakeholder consultation on the East Bank Improvement Project on October 16, at Supply Primary School to allow residents between Relief and Soesdyke, as well as regular users of the East Bank Corridor, to share their insights on the project.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, emphasized the strategic importance of the road expansion project, stating, “This corridor is intricately linked to the infrastructural development taking place in Guyana. It serves as a critical gateway for the movement of essential materials needed for construction projects across the country.”
Edghill also announced that the road along the Supply to Soesdyke corridor would maintain its two-lane configuration “We would like to put in four lanes all the way through, but the reality is people’s property must be respected,” he said. This decision, it was stated, aimed to balance development needs with the rights of property owners and the limitations imposed by existing telecommunications and utility infrastructure.
A major focus of the consultation was addressing community concerns. Minister Edghill reassured local residents and businesses that the government was committed to supporting those affected by the construction, particularly small vendors. “Any person who relies on vending to support their family will not be left behind. We will find ways to ensure you can continue your livelihoods in a safer, more environmentally friendly manner,” he promised.
Also discussed were potential impacts, mitigation measures, an environmental and social management plan, and a traffic management plan designed to ensure safe passage during construction.
Residents expressed their thoughts during an open Q&A session, with one local business owner stating, “I appreciate the government’s efforts to involve us in this process. We want to ensure that our voices are heard and that our needs are met during this transition.”
CRBC Project Manager Mr Wu detailed the technical management plan designed to manage traffic flow and ensure safety during construction. He outlined measures including maintaining multiple lanes of traffic and establishing designated entry points for construction vehicles. “Our goal is to effectively manage the flow of both motorists and pedestrians throughout the construction process,” he stated. “We are committed to minimizing disruptions while prioritizing safety.”
The East Bank Improvement Project includes the construction of new sidewalks, cycle lanes, thermoplastic road markings, LED lighting, two roundabouts, and traffic signs. Additionally, more than 58 bridges and culverts have been reconstructed and widened.
The project, valued at an estimated $75 million, is expected to span 20 years, divided into three crucial segments. Section A, from Supply Station B to Soesdyke Junction, will be the first to undergo enhancements, followed by Section C. Key improvements include expanding the roadway to accommodate increased traffic, adding shoulders, refurbishing bridges, and constructing new pedestrian pathways and bridges to ensure safety for all road users.
The consultation concluded on a hopeful note, with many community members recognizing the potential benefits of the project. “This expansion could make a significant difference for all of us,” a resident remarked. “Faster travel times and better roads mean a better quality of life.”
