Survey works ongoing for upgraded WCD/EBE corridor
A section of the West Coast Demerara public road at Crane Village
A section of the West Coast Demerara public road at Crane Village

ACTUAL construction works on the West Coast Demerara/East Bank Essequibo roadway from Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie have not yet started, but efforts under the contract, which had a January 2 commencement date, are ongoing.Chief Roads and Bridges Officer, Ron Rahaman, told the Guyana Chronicle that “Survey works have started on the ground and we are also having discussions on the work plan. The contractor is also right now setting up a site office.”

According to Rahaman, the contract has been advanced 20 per cent, a mobilisation advance, as stated in the contract.
Efforts are being advanced under an agreement between the Ministry of Public Works and BK International and Surrey Paving Aggregate Company Limited for implementation of the US$46.7 Fourth Road Project – financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
The project is expected to specifically focus on increasing the efficiency and safety of road transportation along the West Coast Demerara/ East Bank Essequibo corridor.
At the contract signing, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn disclosed that the objectives of the project will be achieved through six components that would be implemented: Road Works; Road Safety Awareness; Capacity Building; Road Works’ Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Project Management.
He added that works would result in pavements being rehabilitated; the road being widened to separate pedestrians and cyclists from motorized traffic; traffic lights and road markings being installed and additional highway lights being provided; the Groenveldt Bridge being replaced; and utilities being relocated while extension culverts would be constructed.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC ADVANCES

Benn also pointed out that infrastructural development has a multiplying effect on socio-economic advances in the country, particularly in rural communities.
“There has been significant growth,” he said, adding that constrained infrastructural development poses real challenges to growth.
Benn’s Ministry, as per the CDB agreement, will be tasked with maintenance, which was identified by the CDB as a risk to the sustainability of the completed works. The Government will also be expected to report annually on their maintenance works, particularly since the project monitoring and evaluation component of the agreement is key to ensuring the standard and quality of such undertakings.
Additionally, a project management team will be supported by a steering committee and the Ministry, all of whom report to the CDB.
The Project Coordinator is Kester Hinds, while the CDB focal person is Glen MaCarvell.
The project has several components including the actual road works, road safety awareness at the level of the schools and community, capacity building, engineering services and project monitoring and evaluation. (Vanessa Narine)

 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.