– to be restored within 48 hours

Ministry of Public Works staff at the site of the collapsed culvert on Sheriff Street yesterday.

David Murrell, Head of the Force Account Unit, who is heading the operations on the ground, said the work is expected to be completed within 48 hours.

He said the first sign of damage to the culvert was seen on Friday last. It was observed that the integrity of the culvert was being threatened by a depression which appeared on the eastern edge of the carriageway.

Murrell said that the western edge of the culvert collapsed yesterday, forcing the Ministry to take immediate action. At present, workers are digging to remove the remaining metal pipe which will be replaced by High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes.

He advised that as a result of the excavation work in progress, the area will be closed to vehicular traffic over the next 24 hours.

Murrell advised that traffic proceed with caution while approaching the Sheriff Street and Eastern Highway junction.

Government is continuing to develop and maintain the road network in Guyana. This year $860M has been budgeted for the rehabilitation of urban and community roads and another $890M for the construction and rehabilitation of culverts.

Murrell said the Ministry was paying close attention to culverts around Georgetown since some of them, because of their age and design, are prone to collapse. (GINA).