-progress of departments discussed
MINISTER of Public Works Robeson Benn on Wednesday held his monthly meeting with senior management officials in the Ministry of Public Works and Communication.
At the meeting, he interacted with engineers in charge of various aspects of the ministry’s work and was updated on their progress.
Chief Roads Engineer, Leon Goring reported that work was moving apace on the Hinterland Roads Project, while preparatory work on the East Coast four-lane road had commenced.
“We are developing the reserve in such a manner that the concrete drains will be constructed on both sides of the public road…the contractor is currently sand-filling between the inside hedge of the concrete drain and the roadway,” Goring said.
Meanwhile the contractor for the East Bank four-lane expansion from Providence to Diamond is currently stockpiling materials and conducting a survey, after which physical works will commence.
Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Geoffrey Vaughn, reported that work continued to be executed at varying locations countrywide, during December, which saw the completion of a number of projects on its record.
“Contractors worked assiduously to complete a total of 30,816 metres, both natural and man-made, sea defence structures,” Vaughn said.
General Manager, Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Rawlston Adams reported that the corporation saw an increase in vehicular traffic during December.
Adams said that 252,500 vehicles transited the bridge during the month, at a daily average of 8,145, which reflects an increase of 23,226 vehicles compared to November, 2011.
The highest volume of traffic was recorded on December 24, 2011, which registered a total number of 9,540 vehicles, and the lowest volume was recorded on Friday, December 2, 2011, which registered 6,370 vehicles, he said.
General Manager, Transport and Harbour Department, Ms Marclene Merchant reported that the department’s programme to replace two Makouria class vessels is progressing smoothly.
“The arrival of the two new roll-on-/roll-off ferry vessels was a significant accomplishment to further this programme…when the vessels become operational, it will see a number of goods, services and commuters being shuttled along the Parika-Supenaam route,” Merchant said.
Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, holds monthly meetings with his senior management staff to ensure the varying departments are executing the ministry’s mandate.