ROAD, Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) works are progressing along the East Coast of Demerara as the government’s infrastructure programme continues to expand.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, visited several communities on the East Coast on Tuesday to assess the progress of infrastructural works and address residents’ concerns.

The villages included Bareroot, Bachelor’s Adventure, Golden Grove, Nabacalis and Victoria.
At Bareroot, the main access road is being upgraded in sections and is ahead of its scheduled September 16th completion date.
However, the minister appealed to contractors to accelerate some parts of the works to mitigate the inconvenience experienced by residents.
“Get the concrete pour before the week is out, and then get the shoulders in. Let the people get their road,” he said.
In Golden Grove, residents have requested a road behind a dam.

Although a road may not be immediately feasible, Minister Edghill suggested that engineers explore the possibility of a footpath.
Similarly, in Nabacalis, rehabilitation is planned for a key community road.
Beyond infrastructure, drainage and irrigation works are slated to commence in those communities.
In this regard, the minister reminded residents that rubber-wheel excavators and tractors had been supplied to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to aid in the maintenance of the waterways.
He stressed that the poor condition and irrigation of the drains often stemmed from “a lack of leadership and co-ordination” in mobilising persons.
The minister further noted that engineers will be tasked with carrying out an assessment this week to determine the scope of work left to be completed.
Following the assessment, the size of the project will be determined. Such will dictate the number of small contracts to be issued.
The minister also encouraged residents to join in the clean-up effort to improve the area’s appearance, promising that the ministry would lend support by providing the necessary tools and equipment. (DPI)