2 major heavy-duty parking facilities under construction for lease in Region 6

…as Govt targets road hazards

The Government has announced plans to address derelict vehicles, stray animals, and the parking of heavy-duty machinery on roadways in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Parking facilities
During a press conference on Friday following a series of engagements with residents in the region, President Dr Irfaan Ali noted that one of the concerns raised was the parking of heavy-duty machinery on the roadways.
To address this matter, he announced that the Government will be developing two 30-acre parking facilities in the region for heavy-duty machinery and equipment. They are being established at Palmyra and Number 76 Village, and according to President Ali, they are nearing completion.
“We will have public spaces for lease so that this equipment can be off of the road, leading to road safety and also removing the encumbrance caused on the roadways,” he explained.
It was previously noted that similar facilities are being established in other parts of the country, including at Diamond, Region Four; Region Three; and along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

Derelict vehicles
Another major issue impacting road safety is that of derelict vehicles on the roadways. According to President Ali, “abandoned and derelict cars, buses, machinery, and trailers along the [road] corridors” will be removed and destroyed.
“This initiative includes the clearing and scrapping of derelict assets to ease roadside congestion, improve safety, and enhance the overall appearance of the roadway,” he noted.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Public Works announced the commencement of the initiative, which is being rolled out countrywide.
“We are giving notice to everyone: derelict vehicles, vehicles without wheels, doors, or vehicles with bush in it that have been abandoned on road shoulders will be removed, and it will be crushed into scrap at the Government’s derelict site on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway,” Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill had noted.

Streetlights & sidewalks
Meanwhile, President Ali also announced the installation of some 4500 streetlights and the construction of 160 kilometres of sidewalks with covered drainage.
He also announced the rollout of better road signage, traffic signals meeting global standards, modern road markings, and designated parking areas.
“Importantly, a diversion will be created at Rose Hall and Corriverton to avoid the existing congestion that we have,” he added.

Strays
The issue of stray animals on the roadways will also be addressed, the President said.
“Management of strays on our roadways, the safety of our animals and the building out of facility to support the safety of our animals,” he noted.
Just a few months ago, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had called on the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to have greater enforcement when it comes to unattended animals on the roadways.
“There are penalties already for the animals on the road, but they are not being enforced. So, clearly greater enforcement [is needed], particularly along the highways,” Jagdeo had noted.