VSH United, the company contracted for the Agricola Independence Arch project, says they are nearing completion.The arch is 27 meters in width and consists of four parts, including a crown at the top, which includes a flagpole.
“It is hot dip-galvanized, which is done to make sure that the corrosion is kept out, so it (would) last for years,” a company official told the Guyana Chronicle.
It was their first attempt at constructing an arch, he said, and they found it challenging, primarily in assembling the parts, which are made from three tubes.
The project costs approximately US$50,000, and it is one of the company’s first major projects with the Government.
The structure may be unveiled this week, given that it was already successfully tested.
On March 9, 2016, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman at a post-Cabinet press briefing, said that the project will be undertaken for the Independence Golden Jubilee.
He also said that the project will be funded in part by corporate Guyana.
“It will mark the eastern and southern entrances to our Capital City,” he said.
“It will be undertaken by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, in collaboration with the M&CC, as part of the celebration for the Jubilee Independence. They will be identical and will be designed and constructed by local designers and contractors,” Trotman said.
Meantime, he was also reminded about the arch that once stood at the entrance to Ruimveldt, Eat Bank Demerara. That arch was one of a pair. which were gifts from the Demerara Bauxite Company. It was erected in 1966. However, the Ruimveldt arch was removed by the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government, to facilitate expansion works being conducted on the roadway to turn it into a four-lane carriageway.
“Every attempt was made to locate the arch whether in its complete form or in parts,” Trotman said. “And despite our best efforts, and the efforts of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, not a single part could be located. We don’t know whether it made off on the high seas as scrap metal or what. So unfortunately a major piece of our history has disappeared,” the Minister said.
Works have already been carried out at the Brickdam arch in Georgetown, which has been restored. The arch has now become a popular attraction, featuring prominently in the backdrop of various photo opportunities.
Banks DIH had promised to finance the Agricola arch.