PEOPLE living in areas where major road network construction and rehabilitation have commenced will soon see improvements, according to Mr. Jeffery Vaughn, Head of the Works Services Group in the Ministry of Public Works.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Vaughn said that, on the East Coast of Demerara, the consultancy has been completed for expansion of a four-lane highway from Plaisance to Annandale, and an upgraded two-lane would continue from Buxton to Belfield.
He explained that with the allocations of three other blocks to contractors, who would begin work shortly, relocation of the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T), the Guyana Power & Light (GPL), and the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) facilities has been done.
He said the design of the road network is about to be agreed on, since the study is finished and financing will follow soon after the consultants and the Ministry have reached agreement on what will be executed.

Contractors
The contractors include Courtney Benn Construction Company, Colin Talbot, and Dipcon Engineering Limited.
The improvements will also involve new pedestrian walkways, cycles’ lane, and improved parking areas.
Vaughn highlighted that the East Bank Demerara will see movement, as utilities in block three have been removed, and the cost of removing the overhead telecommunication cable has been submitted and is awaiting approval.
Infrastructural works in the re-designing of the drainage system have been completed, and works will commence with a pace, he said.
Vaughn said there will be a delay, since the contract was scheduled for completion on April 31 but the Ministry, contractors and the consultants are now evaluating the extended period, and recommendations in regard to costs, which are expected to be submitted, also have to be agreed on.
In other areas, like the West Demerara, road works from Vreed-en-Hoop to Bushy Park are to commence, all costing close to US$40M; but the design will be determined after the preliminary works.