$182M in contracts inked for Albouystown Phase 2 road upgrade

Contracts to the tune of $182 million have been signed on Thursday for Phase Two of the road rehabilitation project at Albouystown and Castello Housing Scheme, West La Penitence, Georgetown.
Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, and Permanent Secretary Vladim Persaud facilitated the signing of the 16 contracts for construction of the remaining eight streets and three bridges in the area.
At the signing, Indar assured, “We will continue to press forward to buildout this community. We will have the folks in the community do the buildout. That is what we said in the beginning; that is what the President came and said in this community; and that is what we’re doing.”
Contractors are being urged to ensure that works are completed in keeping with the timeline. The minister encouraged, “Plan yourself properly, talk to the engineer, learn from those who have done good in the past.”
Fibian Jessop, a representative of the Amazon Infrastructure Company, promised that the company would produce a quality end product. He said, “I feel overwhelmed today; thankful to the Government today for giving us a second chance, because I did a road already in Phase One, and it was approved by the Government. They have given me a chance to be a contractor, and it was satisfactory to them. I’m very much pleased.”
Phase One of the project included upgrades to Independence Boulevard which racked up a bill of $1.4 billion under the Urban Enhancement Project. The 1.8 km project, stretching from Saffon Street to Cemetery Road, has a double-lane carriageway on the northern side and a single-lane carriageway on the southern side.
Last year when the project was launched, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had stated that the Boulevard formed part of wider plans to modernise and transform the capital city of Georgetown.
Between these two carriageways lies a promenade outfitted with lights, benches, concrete drains and strategically placed garbage bins to ensure the maintenance of a clean and environmentally-friendly space. In addition to increasing property value and easing traffic congestion, the project was also aimed at creating job opportunities, as contractors were encouraged to hire residents within the area.
Indar has outlined that with such infrastructure comes the responsibility to maintain the facilities.
“We are working with this community. Although we are changing the infrastructure, we also have to change minds and hearts. Many times I have had to ask the Police to come and move their stuff, because we built a highway for people to pass through, and from, not place for people to park. We built a median where families can come and spend time. I’m starting to see vending and so on,” he commented.
When the stretch of roadway was being upgraded, the vendors agreed to the move, and Government constructed a concrete platform for them to establish organized stalls with proper security. They are now able to ply their trade in a neat manner along the newly rehabilitated Independence Boulevard, allowing free traffic flow and continued activities. (G12)