Craig–Land of Canaan Highway 50% complete

September 16 2026

Construction of the new four-lane highway from Craig to Land of Canaan on the East Bank Demerara is now approximately 50 per cent complete, with the Ministry of Housing targeting the first quarter of 2027 for completion of the road works.

Minister of Housing Collin Croal inspected the ongoing works along the corridor on Tuesday, accompanied by Deputy Director of Projects Intakab Indarjeet and senior engineers overseeing the project.

The highway is being constructed in eight lots at an estimated investment of $52 billion and is expected to provide a major alternative route for commuters travelling along the East Bank corridor and into and out of Georgetown.

Land of Canaan will serve as the main exit point for the current phase, while the Ministry is also examining the alignment for a future extension towards Soesdyke.

Croal said the project is complex, with significant sections of the highway being constructed across previously undeveloped swamp lands covered by dense vegetation. Extensive land preparation and large quantities of sand filling have been required to raise the roadway to the required elevation, with settlement periods also necessary before subsequent construction stages can proceed.

The project includes major drainage and irrigation infrastructure, culverts and other supporting works, while several bridges along the corridor will be constructed under a separate project.

Croal said drainage and irrigation remain critical components of the development, particularly because of the residential communities and farming activities surrounding the corridor. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) reviewed the drainage design and issued its no-objection.

The Minister also assessed progress on Lots 2 and 3, where construction started later partly because of relocation exercises involving people occupying lands within the road alignment. The relocations involved both legitimate landowners and illegal occupants.

Despite the delays, Croal said he was pleased with the progress and indicated that the Ministry will meet with contractors working across all eight lots as efforts continue to accelerate construction.

Once completed, the Craig–Land of Canaan highway is expected to improve connectivity along the East Bank Demerara corridor, strengthen access between surrounding communities and provide motorists with an additional route into and out of Georgetown.

(Ministry of Housing)