$720M De Hoop Road to bring massive improvements to economic activities in community – Minister Ramraj

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj, on Saturday said that that the 2.3 kilometre (km) De Hoop Road will improve the daily lives of the residents and bring massive improvements to the economic activities in the community, noting that the road was expanded to 21 feet to better facilitate vehicular traffic in the area.
Minister Ramraj made the comment while he inspected the $720 million road works on the De Hoop Branch Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The project is in keeping with the Government’s mission to improve public infrastructure and access across the country. The massive undertaking is set to bring tangible improvements and benefits to this agriculture-heavy community.
The Minister met with residents as well as the contractors leading the project.
“This community houses a massive asphalt plant, as well as a number of rice farms. This means that, in addition to residents using the road, large trucks transporting products and raw materials also utilise it. So our plan was to build something that not only improves accessibility but also enhances usability. Before this expansion, two trucks could not pass simultaneously on this road, and now we’ve made that possible,” he stated. This project represents Phase Two of the De Hoop Road expansion initiative. Phase One, which was completed in October 2024, saw the expansion of an initial 2.3 km of roadway.
Sections of the road that had developed minor defects are currently being addressed. These issues, caused by underground pipes, are being carefully examined, and the Government remains committed to corrective works, which are expected to commence soon. Community representatives lauded the Government’s efforts and noted that the project has already begun benefiting the community.
Minister Ramraj reminded that these projects are not isolated but form part of a larger strategic transformation effort. He stated, “The intent of Government is that investments in public infrastructure must deliver lasting and tangible benefits. When we invest in these projects, we are building for the long term, for the people.”
In addition to his visit to De Hoop, Minister Ramraj also met with engineers in Rosignol and Shieldstown to bring immediate relief to residents. At Stelling Road, Rosignol, Minister Ramraj engaged engineers to begin works addressing drainage issues in the area. He noted complaints from residents that water in the area was not receding properly and explained that immediate action will be taken through the installation of underground piping which will connect the drainage system and allow water to flow out efficiently, bringing much-needed relief. Additionally, in Shieldstown, the Minister committed to temporary works on the community’s main access road, which has sustained damage from the use of heavy-duty machinery. The road is slated for full expansion works in 2026.
The Government remains committed to advancing projects that uplift communities and support Guyana’s broader vision of sustainable national development.