Inter-agency consultations ongoing for Mandela – Eccles road link

Inter-agency consultations ongoing for Mandela – Eccles road link

The Ministry of Housing and Water through the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) hosted an Inter-Agency Coordination Committee (ICC) meeting to discuss the construction of the Mandela to Eccles Highway.

Some of the stakeholders present at the meeting

In his feature address, Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin D Croal, who joined virtually, stated that infrastructure development is a crucial element of government’s macro vision for the country’s development and the opening of avenues for transformation in housing, business and other sectors.

Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal during his virtual address

“In what we do apart from the development of new housing schemes and housing areas, it is also important that we have the necessary infrastructure we need to facilitate and enhance our citizens’ life,” Minster Croal said.

Meanwhile, Hon. Susan Rodrigues Minister within The Ministry of Housing & Water in her remarks emphasized the importance of stakeholder consultations for the successful completion.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Hon. Susan Rodrigues, delivers remarks at the event

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Sherwyn Greaves and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Andre Ally, assured that CH&PA will work assiduously in the execution of the project, which is the brainchild of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, to bring much-needed relief to thousands affected by traffic congestions on the East Bank of Demerara.

Deputy Director of Projects, Mr. Intakab Indarjeet explained that the road will be a 2.8 km or 1.75 miles in length, consisting of a four‐lane construction (lane width 3.5m or 11’.6”), with a dual carriageway of two lanes each.

The eastern carriageway will convey south‐bound traffic from Mandela, Georgetown to Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and the western carriageway will convey north‐bound traffic from Eccles to Mandela. The highway is scheduled to be completed in November 2021.

Additionally, mitigation measures to minimize negative environmental and social impacts within the area of construction have also been implemented, according to Environmental and Social Safeguards Coordinator, Mr. Sunil Gopaul.

These plans will be included in the bid document and would also be mandatory for the contractor to implement during the construction phase.

Stakeholders were also given the platform to voice issues and/or recommendations. Representatives include Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, among others.

Images: Sydel Thomas, CHPA PR Dept.