FOLLOWING the receipt of reports and complaints from Aubrey Barker Road residents, Bishop Juan Edghill, the Minister of Public Works and Collin Croal, the Minister of Housing and Water, convened a meeting with the locals at the Rosa Drive entrance on Friday morning.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Croal disclosed that he received a notification regarding the road’s deterioration last Thursday evening.

After learning that Minister Edghill intended to visit the site and engage with the residents, Minister Croal said he decided to accompany him.

According to Minister Croal, the destruction is a consequence of the ongoing development in the area, as Aubrey Barker Road serves as an access point for trucks that are going to and from the Cummings Lodge Scheme.

He said: “I must say that work on filling the holes begun since last night (Thursday).”

It was disclosed to the residents that while some parts of that road were already converted into a four-lane, there are plans for a contract that has been awarded for the road’s upgrade, with the contractor set to begin mobilising next week.

While the infrastructure works are going to happen, a commitment has also been made to widen the road and convert it into four lanes. Concrete drains and other features will be added.

Residents were assured that the road will soon be made passable so that they can carry out their daily activities.

Minister Croal also added that while he understands that the truck drivers have to get their jobs done, he is also requesting that they exercise safety and be cautious when they are traversing through communities.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works, in a statement, said the two ministers met with residents of Aubrey Barker Road on Friday morning to address concerns over the road’s deteriorating condition, which sparked a protest on Thursday night.

“The damage has been attributed to ongoing works linked to the Cummings Lodge housing development,” the statement said.

While informing residents of the impending work, Minister Croal assured them that maintenance works will be carried out to ensure the road remains accessible.

Recognising the challenges of living in a construction zone, the ministers urged residents to remain patient as infrastructural works progress, the statement added.