THE Ministry of Public Works, Wednesday received a cherry picker and a tow truck, procured at a cost of $18M through a loan agreement with the Inter-Development Bank and the Government of Guyana. These vehicles will enhance the transport infrastructure rehabilitation programme in the ministry’s execution of its road safety and maintenance programmes.
Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, stated that they will be used mainly along the East Coast Public Road, on the railway embankment, East Bank of Demerara and the West Coast Public Road going to Parika, as these areas are more problematic in comparison to others.
Several areas across the country now have street lights, leading to the ministry establishing a Street Light Maintenance Department in 2010.
The cherry picker that can rise to about 50 feet will be vital in responding quickly to emergencies and routine maintenance of both street and traffic lights.
On the other hand, the tow truck will contribute to the ministry’s goal of having the public road free from encumbrances as it pursues safer roadways.
Under the transport infrastructure rehabilitation programme, street lights and safety barriers were installed, speed limit and road signs were marked, and 30 wheel clamps acquired by the Guyana Police Force to assist in traffic enforcement campaigns.