The Housing Ministry is advancing major road infrastructure and housing development works in Leonora and Groenveldt, Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara), as part of ongoing efforts to improve connectivity, open new lands for housing and address the region’s growing demand for house lots and housing units.
Housing Minister, Collin Croal on Friday inspected the ongoing works during a site visit to the region where he provided an update on the construction of a four-lane interconnecting road and the development of approximately 498 acres of land for residential purposes.
The new housing development is being undertaken under the $9.1 billion Saudi-funded housing infrastructure project, which forms part of the Government’s wider investment in expanding access to serviced residential lands and creating sustainable communities.
Approximately 498 acres have been earmarked for development under the Saudi-funded initiative, with contractors currently undertaking land clearing and preparation works ahead of the installation of critical infrastructure.
Minister Croal explained that the development represents a continuation of the Government’s housing programme in the area, where several housing units are already under construction.
The additional lands will accommodate new housing construction and house lot allocations, contributing to the Ministry’s efforts to reduce the backlog of pending applications in Region Three.
“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 stated.
He emphasised that the investment serves a dual purpose: expanding access to affordable housing while establishing an interconnected road network that will stimulate economic activity and attract investments along the developing corridor.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of coordinating road construction with housing development to ensure that new residential communities’ benefit from improved accessibility and supporting infrastructure.
The ongoing works form part of the Government’s broader transformation of Region Three, where substantial investments in highways, housing schemes and supporting infrastructure, including the Saudi-funded project, are creating new opportunities for homeownership, improved transportation and community development.
Speaking on the road project, Croal noted that the region will see the transformation of the existing dam separating Groenveldt and Leonora into a modern four-lane thoroughfare, linking communities to the Schoonord-to-Parika highway currently under construction.
Minister Croal explained that the first phase of the interconnecting road will span approximately 7.7 kilometres, beginning in the vicinity of Old Market Street, Leonora, and extending towards 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,” the Minister explained.
He noted that the first phase of the project is expected to be completed during the first half of 2027 and will significantly enhance accessibility across the West Coast and West Bank Demerara corridors.
The Minister further disclosed that a subsequent phase of the interconnecting road will extend from the highway towards Canal Number Two, creating additional access routes and supporting future residential and commercial investments.
Meanwhile, significant land development is progressing on both sides of the proposed roadway, within the Groenveldt and Leonora areas.
Minister Croal indicated that further updates will be provided as construction progresses towards the targeted completion period in 2027.
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