BARTICA on Saturday received a $150M asphalt plant, compliments of local construction company, Associated Construction Services (ACS).The asphalt plant has the potential to produce 300 tonnes of asphalt daily and is expected to boost employment in the mining town, as well as road projects.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, who was present at the commissioning ceremony, described the investment by ACS as timely.

HINTERLAND ROADS
She also noted that the APNU+AFC coalition government has committed to ensuring that all-weather roads are constructed in the country’s hinterland locations.

“With this asphalt plant being here, it will see many road projects moving from loam, DBST (Double Bituminous Surface Treatment), with asphalt roads becoming a reality,” she said.

Minister Ferguson said that the establishment of an asphalt plant in Bartica would also aid in the reduction of pollution. She said residents have over the years been affected by dust entering their homes. Additionally, the asphalt plant would reduce the cost associated with transporting asphalt to Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Meanwhile, Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally assured residents of the administration’s commitment to assist the region in leveraging their natural and human resources for the town’s development. She said the investment by ACS is one of several that will foster development in the town.

Reassuring that “Region Seven is on the cusp of significant development,” she noted that the commissioning of the asphalt plant is an indication that development of the region’s roads has been prioritised.

Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford said that in Bartica, ACS has continued to support the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on a number of projects and initiatives.

Bradford also explained that earlier in the year, the RDC took the decision to “do away with chip seal roads,” as these were “not standing up to the rigours of the type of vehicles that traverse the local roads.”

“We took that decision that any road that we are going to construct there must be asphalt surface,” Bradford said. He said that ACS on hearing of the RDC’s decision, took up the challenge to help the council meet its goal.

ACS investment in Bartica covers the preparation of the land for the facility and the acquisition and installation of the fully computerised plant that was procured from India and assembled by an Indian engineer. The engineer also spent one month in Guyana providing training to the local staff who will manage the facility.

Mayor Gifford Marshall said that the multi-million dollar investment in Bartica is testimony that the new municipality is leading the way and will definitely be the model of Guyana in economic, sports, health and green energy.

“ … the season to be happy is now and the place to be happy is in the beautiful place of Bartica…when someone can leave Region Six and come to Bartica to make a major investment you know that Bartica is the place to be,” Marshall declared.

Going forward, he promised that the town council will work feverishly to ensure that Bartica promotes a green economy. He assured that the council will work with the local contractors to ensure that Bartica’s pristine environment is not destroyed in the name of development.

This is the second asphalt plant set up by ACS. In 2014, the company invested more than $100 million in the establishment of a modern asphalt plant in Tarlogie Village, Corentyne, Berbice. The plant was the first of its kind in the Ancient County, serving to provide quality asphaltic concrete.

Established in 1997, ACS of Hampshire, Corentyne, Berbice provides construction services across the country. The company builds roads, rents machinery and equipment, and is also involved in charitable work. (GINA)