AS part of continuous efforts to visit various communities across the country, a team led by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, visited Grove/ Diamond on Wednesday to examine both finished and ongoing roadworks.
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Edghill stated that the site visit to the Grove area was just one of the numerous planned and spontaneous visits that they were conducting across the country to ensure that contractors were moving apace with their respective projects.
“I was accompanied by Mr. Colin Gittens, Head of the Special Projects Unit (SPU) within the Ministry of Public Works, as well as the Grove/Diamond NDC Chairman and councillors, to review the construction of 21 roads in Grove, totalling 3.5 km in length and nearing completion. Considering the inclement weather, I must say that we are pleased with the ongoing work so far. As a government, our aim has always been to complete every project within the allotted time frame, but in some cases that’s not always possible because of one reason or another,” he said.

The minister further stated that they were very clear regarding their motive for completing the projects in a timely manner so that the residents from the respective areas would have minimal inconvenience.
Minster Edghill added, “We all want our highways, streets, and community roads to be fixed and developed, but many times we do not want to deal with the inconvenience that come with it; no one wants that. So, as a government, we make sure that our contractors fully understand this, so that our residents will not be at a prolonged disadvantage.
“I am happy to say that, based on our visits to various sites, many of them are adhering to what is expected of them. I would have said this many times before, and I want to emphasise that there is no room for contractors who are lackadaisical with their work, and getting it completed.”

Additionally, Minister Edghill stated that he and his team also inspected the ongoing, one-kilometre construction project along 5th Street, Diamond. According to him, like the other projects that were happening across the country, the residents of the community were the ones who will benefit from the initiatives.
Minister Edghill said: “Our President, Dr. Ali, and us, the ministers, have been visiting and listening to you all and your concerns, and as you can see, these initiatives are a result of those visits or residents’ concerns. Initiatives such as these are not only to enhance the community, but it will be responsible for the development of our people in the area.
“Our only hope is that you all can take care of these roads so that everyone can continue to benefit from them. We are doing our part as a government to ensure that you receive asphaltic roads, and it is our hope that you will do your part as residents and care them as well.”
The minister also noted that the community’s renovations were met with gratitude from the residents, who commended the government for this much-needed endeavour.
“It is always good to get feedback from our residents, whether it is positive or negative. While we appreciate the positives, we also listen to the not-so-nice ones and see how best we can address their issues or put their minds at ease.
“Our job is to listen to all of our people, and that is what we have been doing and will continue to do.”
Minister Edghill also stated that the road upgrades are being carried out by the Ministry of Public Works’ Special Projects Unit.