THE elevators at the pedestrian overpass at Houston, East Bank Demerara, in the vicinity of the Muneshwer Wharf and the entrance to the old Gafoor’s Complex, is to become operational in time for the opening of the new school term, starting September 2, 2019.

This is according to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, who was quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying “One of them that I know will be opened and up and running; that will be in Houston, in time for the new school term.”

The minister spoke at the commissioning of similar facilities sited at both ends of the overpass at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara, in close proximity to the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB). With him was Minister within the Ministry Of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma.

The elevators at Houston, when they become operational, will greatly benefit new and continuing students of the Houston Secondary School, East Dank Demerara, employees of the Muneshwer facility and other businesses and residents.

That overpass has been in use for some time and is utilised by the schoolchildren and adults. However, some elderly persons had complained about the difficulty they encountered in climbing the stairways. They were forced to risk life and limb as they attempted to cross the busy thoroughfare.

According to Minister Patterson, the Coalition Government also plans to build other overpasses in the busy corners of the country, “We are working on one in the middle of Agricola, right in front of the school… The preliminary designs are already out. That is the number one priority in my 2020 budget.”
Noting that the overpass at Agricola will be one of five more to be built, Minister Patterson added, “we will be installing overpasses on the East Coast. I know four areas are already identified.”

“Use it! It saves lives”, the minister urged, saying that they are the safer option, rather than attempting to cross on the roadway.

Minister Sharma commenting on the increased safety the overpasses provide, and the employment opportunities said, “We are giving back to the community. The workers here [at Peter’s Hall] are from the community and from each area that we have an overpass, the young people from the community will be given an opportunity to work at the facilities.”
He noted too that the elevators are secure, safe and comfortable, as they are outfitted with an emergency response system should there be a power outage.

The elevators which have the maximum capacity of 400kg will be operated by employees working a shift system..