Buzz Bee Dam Highway project now 57% complete

…designed to strict international standards, fully supervised by local engineers – President Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali has confirmed that work along the Buzz Bee Dam project, which consists of eight lots, has commenced on all sections, with the most progress recorded on Lot 7 at 57 per cent completion.
He made the announcement while inspecting the road projects at Buzz Bee Dam on Tuesday.

President Ali highlighted the ongoing development of a massive four-lane highway extending from Buzz Bee Dam, noting that the current phase includes multiple interconnections from Buzz Bee Dam to the Old Highway at various points, with the project continuing all the way to Land of Canaan.
He emphasised the scale of the work, pointing out the extensive drainage structures being installed on both sides of the highway, transforming what was previously swampland. The President also highlighted the integration of urban planning in the project, noting connections to the Mandela Highway and the expanded road leading to the Old Highway at Buzz Bee Dam.
Pointing to the surrounding area, he noted the recently installed high-power lines and the planned location of a major roundabout, as well as the alignment of the highway toward the Ogle Highway.
President Ali also described the technical efforts involved, including the excavation of swampy areas, installation of vertical drains, and sand compaction, underscoring the magnitude of work required to bring the project to its current stage.
“We have eight lots; work has commenced on all eight lots… For Lot 1, we are about 33 per cent complete. The most advanced lot is Lot 7, which is 57 per cent complete. [At the construction site], you can see the roundabout taking shape, and drains [that] were all clogged canals, now replaced with massive concrete structures on both sides, visible along the interconnecting road and the highway.”
As the President guided the inspection, an engineer explained the technical process behind the road’s construction.
“We cleared the land and excavated some of the soft materials, then backfilled with sand,” the engineer said.
“We then inserted vertical drains, commonly known as wick drains, and overlaid successive layers of sand to accelerate the settlement process. This ensures that, after six to eight months, the highway reaches its final settlement, allowing vehicles to travel safely and comfortably.”

Overall highway project
President Ali also provided an update on the progress of the overall highway project, emphasising that all sections are designed to strict international standards, similar to those used for the Ogle Highway. He highlighted that the highways were completely designed and supervised by local engineers, including staff from the Housing Ministry and trained clerks of works.
The head of state pointed out key safety features of the highway, including medians, emergency lanes, and pull-off areas. He noted that Lot 1 is already underway and that the highway will continue all the way to the Land of Canaan.
Meanwhile, as land acquisitions have initially been posing challenges, these have been resolved, allowing the project to move into full implementation.
Ali also spoke about the engineering solutions employed to mitigate weather-related delays, explaining that much of the excavation and construction work was completed during the dry season to avoid disruptions caused by heavy rain or strong winds.
He highlighted the integration of critical infrastructure, including transmission lines running along the highway and extensive drainage systems designed to serve both backlands and residential communities.
“Between here and the developments ahead, you will see massive structures – 28 in total – designed to ensure the drainage system remains intact and fully functional,” he said.
President Ali concluded by noting the rapid progress of the project, recalling that when officials visited in late 2025, construction had not yet begun. He emphasised that the scale and magnitude of work being carried out at sites such as Coffee Dam demonstrate the government’s commitment to transforming the East Bank corridor through modern infrastructure development.