RAINY weather conditions are hampering the commencement of concrete road works to sections of the roadway at the town of Mabaruma, Region One.
The all-weather roads are being built for the first time in the town as well as at Port Kaituma, also in Region One.
Last week, “chip-seal” works were being undertaken to the roadway passing through the administrative section of the town, called the Mabaruma township and residents were not optimistic that such works will hold in light of the wet weather conditions.
This week representatives of contractor, Mohammed Ramzan Ally Khan Construction, told the Guyana Chronicle that the current road works are being undertaken by another company which won a tender advertised by the Regional Democratic council (RDC).
It was noted that Mohammed Ramzan Ally Khan was awarded contracts earlier in the year to undertake concrete works in two lots at Mabaruma.
The contracts, which were awarded by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, entail concrete works to the road close to the town’s airstrip ($82.1M) as well as the Kumaka Stretch ($66.2M).
A representative of the company told the Guyana Chronicle that the company is currently in discussion with the regional engineer department at Mabaruma as regards the commencement of works.
He said the rains are hampering such works, noting that the company plans to start physical works this month, providing the weather conditions are satisfactory.
Region One’s first town has been plagued with pot-holed roads in recent months.
During 2016, the roadways in the region were in a deplorable state for weeks as slothfulness by the contractor was cited as a factor in remedying the situation.
In September, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson said persons would complain of their inability to secure contracts for works across the country, but their ability to undertake works are hampered by identified challenges such as availability of equipment, since some contractors would have more than one contract and continue to bid for more.
Works were eventually undertaken during the latter quarter of 2016. However, the rains eventually washed away the sand and bitumen which was plastered along the roadway.
In April this year, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon announced at a post-Cabinet press briefing that Cabinet has granted its approval for the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of six lots of all-weather roads in Mabaruma and Port Kaituma.
He said Minister Patterson has undertaken to visit and witness the works to be undertaken.