Work on the Buzz Bee Dam to Land of Canaan 4-lane stretch of the larger East Bank expansion project is taking shape, and President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has highlighted that the project is driven by advanced engineering and assiduous efforts to overcome challenges.

During a site inspection on Tuesday, the head of state noted the complex engineering techniques that are required to turn the former swamplands into a high-capacity transport corridor linking the East Bank of Demerara to the East Coast and eventually the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The highway is being built over soft, water-logged terrain, and as a result engineers are utilising prefabricated vertical drains, otherwise termed wick drains, to accelerate the settlement process.

President Ali also addressed a severe labour shortage and a concerning dip in productivity. He revealed that an assessment of government projects in December showed a turnout rate below 35 per cent.

“Many contractors, many builders, [the] private sector are complaining about not having enough drivers, labourers, construction workers.  It’s a reality in this phase of national transformation and development. That is why we are adopting a very flexible labour model within the context of our laws so that we would not have too much of delays or stagnation in the development and expansion of government infrastructure, private sector infrastructure and investment,” he explained.

The president also noted that the project experienced a year-long delay with regard to the portion in the vicinity of Garden of Eden, due to land acquisition issues.

“We have now gotten past those challenges. So, work will commence there,” President Ali said.

A full assessment of the site’s settlement is scheduled for March this year. Once the foundation is deemed stable, contractors will move into the final paving and drainage installation phases, aiming to complete the link that will eventually connect to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the new Silica City.

Beyond improving transit to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the future Silica City, the project unlocks vital land for housing and commercial expansion.