THE Community Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP), at an aggregated cost of $50.3M, is currently reconstructing Dr. Miller Street, better known as Bakewell Street, in Beterverwagting; and Lumber Yard and Sheik Streets in Enmore.

The ministry related that works are currently moving apace and by this month-end, any inconvenience faced by residents would be eliminated. The roads in these areas have been in a deplorable state with craters, potholes and depressions for a number of years inhibiting the free flow of traffic, and creating a slushy environment during the wet weather. Approximately 700 residents of Beterverwagting and Enmore, Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica), would soon benefit from improved roads with an asphaltic concrete surface.

At Beterverwagting, the contractor is excavating the failed areas, including the “high bump,” reconstructing sub-base and placing crusher run, the ministry explained. Meanwhile, in Enmore, the contractor is currently compacting crusher-run and preparing to place asphalt on Lumber Yard and Sheik Streets.

The previous clay surface of Lumber Yard Street made it difficult for residents to traverse when there was rainfall. Some residents who were tired with the poor condition had upgraded in front of their gaps. The Ministry of Housing and Water under CRIP is now upgrading the entire stretch for the benefit of all residents.

Andre James, a taxi driver operating on the East Coast of Demerara for about 12 years, said that Dr. Miller Street is one of the most deplorable roads he was forced to traverse. He is grateful that the ministry has undertaken to reconstruct this road. He recalled, “At the head of the street by the embankment there was a high bump; an afternoon I driving and I didn’t see the bump and I drive and hit the bottom of my car and put myself in expense to fix it.”

Residents are anxiously waiting for the roads to be completed so as to make their lives easier. They have also been monitoring works. CRIP is thankful for such community engagements as it fosters community ownership and protection of these assets.

The CRIP is a multi-million dollar road project being implemented by the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Ministry of Housing and Water, and it is aimed at improving access to housing, education, health and other social infrastructure through the improvement and upgrading of roads in existing housing schemes.