The Ministry of Public Works has finalised arrangements for the relocation of 59 vendors operating along the Railway Embankment at Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to a newly constructed vending tarmac as part of ongoing works under the East Coast Demerara Road Expansion Project.
The announcement followed a multi-stakeholder engagement held on Wednesday between Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and affected vendors. The meeting also involved representatives from the Buxton-Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), vendor representatives, project consultant Beston Consulting Inc., and officials from the Ministry.
According to the Ministry, the agreement paves the way for the construction of a new tarmac to accommodate vendors currently located along the road expansion project alignment.
Minister Edghill reassured vendors that the relocation exercise will not result in any vendor losing their livelihood.
“The relocation exercise will not displace any vendor,” the Minister emphasised, noting that the new facility will be equipped with amenities to support vendors’ operations.
These amenities are expected to include washroom facilities and lighting to improve safety and comfort for vendors operating in the new space.
The relocation is intended to clear the existing vending area along the roadway, allowing contractors to continue work on the East Coast corridor expansion, one of the country’s busiest traffic routes.
Minister Edghill had previously engaged with vendors in November 2025 to outline the relocation plans and discuss how the process would unfold. Those consultations formed part of the Government’s effort to keep affected stakeholders informed and ensure that vendors can continue their economic activities while construction progresses.
Meanwhile, work has already commenced on preparing the relocation site. Contractors, China Railway First Group (CRFG), have begun clearing land along the Buxton Line Top near the Buxton-Foulis NDC to facilitate the construction of the new vending tarmac.
The site was identified in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the Regional Democratic Council to ensure vendors are relocated to a suitable, accessible location.
The East Coast Demerara Road Expansion Project is one of the government’s major infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing congestion, and enhancing road safety for thousands of commuters who travel along the corridor daily.
The Ministry of Public Works said it remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition for vendors and minimising disruptions as the relocation process continues.
