THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure has announced that works will commence this week to provide taxi drivers, vendors and citizens traversing through Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) with access to improved safety measures and working facilities.

These works will see the construction of a market tarmac with drains, lighting, toilet facilities and a passenger waiting area as well as the construction of a parking lot to encourage smooth traffic flow and prevent vehicular accidents in the area.

In a release on Monday, the Ministry informed that the Diamond Tarmac and Parking Lot Contract has been awarded to Bardon Construction Service for G$57.1M.

“Works are scheduled to commence this week and is expected to last for approximately four months while the Defects Liability Period amounts to twelve months after the Letter of Completion by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure,” the Ministry disclosed.
The 125m X 65m tarmac will be constructed on the southern side of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

Bardon Construction Service will only be executing Phase One of the project which entails the removal of vegetation from the working area; cleaning of existing culverts; excavation work; disposal of unsuitable materials off-site, ditch excavation, placement of compaction of white sand; construction of concrete drains, bridges and box culverts; the installation of lights, toilet facilities, garbage bins and the construction of a waiting area.
Phase Two, which will commence in December, will include the application of asphaltic concrete to crusher run and the possible extension of the tarmac access road to First Avenue, Diamond.

According to the Ministry, the construction of the tarmac will result in a “reduction in the number or possibility of vehicular crashes occurring within the area. Taxi drivers will not be constantly making U-turns or parking near the road edge, or frequently pulling in and out, and obstructing persons from exiting minibuses and walkways.”

Approximately 40 vendors in standard-size stalls can be accommodated on the tarmac. The Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), in the long run, is expected to play a major role in the maintenance of the facility.

“Taxi drivers and vendors can have some form of uniformity and proper working facilities to provide improved services to customers, whilst maintaining some level of safety for themselves and the public,” the Ministry explained.

Meanwhile, the parking lot will provide for the separation of taxi drivers and vendors from motor vehicular traffic, allowing for smooth traffic flow during peak hours and a reduction in vehicle emission levels.