Guyana Commissions New Schoonord to Crane Four-Lane Highway

Guyana: The government of Guyana has celebrated a landmark achievement with the commissioning of the Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway on Thursday.

The 15.1 billion project aims to combat the rising concerns of traffic in the area and will look forward to the development of a more transverse transportation network. This will create more employment opportunities and will ultimately stimulate strong economic growth.

The construction work of the new four-lane highway was completed by eight contractors and was done in eight lots. The new project comprises three roundabouts that are designed to pay homage to Guyana’s cultural and natural heritage.

The roundabout at the western side of the Demerara Harbour Bridge will feature a sculpture of the Totem Pole. These sculptures are carved out from large trees by native people and represent the traditional heritage of the island nation.

The second roundabout will feature a replica of the Harpy Eagle which is known for its strength and majestic appearance. The installation of this emblem of leadership and power showcases the government’s vision for a strong and prosperous Guyana.

The highway spans 4.1 km of dual carriageway road and it has been built with concrete material. The highway also features several facilities including an emergency lane, medians, 36 pre-stressed bridges, road signs, and more.

President Irfaan Ali During the commissioning ceremony stated, “This is not just about the Schoonord to Crane highway this is about a grand vision, the vision that seeks to transform every single part of our country.”

He further said that the government is planning to add more routes to Parika and further connecting roads will be added to connect to Bartica in Region Seven.

“The infrastructure development we are talking about will help make Guyana a major transport and logistics hub, this will also open up opportunities in tourism and will also expand to agriculture,” the President stated regarding the importance of the project.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, Minister within the Ministry Susan Rodrigues, Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen, and Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves.

Notably, the project was signed back in September 2022 and after a wait of over years, it has finally concluded. The project was awarded through the national tendering process and was signed by the Ministry of Housing and Water, Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

This project underscores the government’s efforts for the development of the new highway as the ‘new game changer’ in the nation’s road to development.