THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure will be installing some 100 streetlights in the communities of Mocha Arcadia and Diamond, both on the East Bank Demerara shortly.The move comes days after motorcyclist Shemroy Cave was killed when he collided with a horse on the unlit Mocha Arcadia, Access Road. In a statement the ministry said over the years it has received several reports of accidents along the access roads of the communities of Mocha and Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara.

These two areas have experienced rapid development since their creations, thus leading to increased traffic and ultimately a greater likelihood of accidents, the release stated, citing the recent death of Cave. “It is necessary that the infrastructure in these communities reflect their growth. Therefore, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has taken the initiative to have sections of these access roads lit and is accelerating its planned installation of streetlights.

This project will see the installation of 100 streetlights in the two communities and is expected to improve the safety and security of the residents.”

The ministry said further details on this project will be announced at a later date. Cave was killed, while he was heading out of Mocha/Arcadia, East Bank Demerara on Tuesday night. According to reports the former Banks DIH bartender dropped off a relative on his motorcycle, CH 7934, in Mocha and on his way out he collided with the horse. The accident occurred at 22:00hrs Tuesday night, four miles from the public road in a dark area that is sparsely populated.

According to police, the young man was not wearing a helmet, which contributed to his demise and the horse that died was not branded. It was disclosed that based on the impact that killed the horse the motorcyclist was speeding in a 50KM zone.

Cave sustained multiple injuries to the body and was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital. In an invited comment, acting Traffic Chief Boodnarine Persaud had told this newspaper that for the year motorcyclists and pedestrians represented the largest categories of those killed on the roads. He said that helmets were rarely used by motorcyclists and pillion riders.

For 2016 so far, nine motorcyclists and two pillion riders have died, while road fatalities have so far recorded 35 deaths. According to residents of Mocha, the area needs street lights since at many points throughout the carriageway there is total darkness.