Bridges, potholes in Region 2 roads not yet fixed

– drivers complaining bitterly

By Indrawattie Natram

Drivers traversing various roads and bridges along the Essequibo Coast are complaining bitterly of the huge potholes and gaps in them that are causing damage to their vehicles and despite numerous complaints made to regional officials, no repairs have been done.
Approximately one month ago, Guyana Times had reported on the huge potholes in several streets leading to medical institutions and schools, and to date no maintenance crew or anyone has visited those areas.
The potholes have since deteriorated further and this is creating an extra burden on vehicle owners. At Golden Fleece, the bridge leading to the community with a population of over 800 and some of the streets have eroded and drivers have been complaining of damage caused to their tyres. The rice harvest is approaching and many rice farmers have to use the said bridge to get to a miller.
In various communities, such as Suddie, Zorg, Anna Regina, Dartmouth, Charity, Supenaam, Reliance and Cotton Field, there is evidence of road erosion. Most of the residents living in these communities said reports were made to the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Rupert Hopkinson and the engineer and to date, nothing has been done.
Persons are of the view if the roads are not properly maintained, more money will have to be expended from the region’s capital programme to re-do most of them.
At the recent statutory meeting of the Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Regional Democratic Council (RDC), coalition Councillor Naitram also reported same. As such, he called on the REO to form a maintenance crew to repair and maintain the roads. He said that reports were made several months ago in relation to the condition of the roads, but to date nothing has been done.
Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt had also reported that several bridges and streets were in deplorable condition and, in some instances, were sinking. This, he said, had engaged the attention of the REO several months ago and nothing has been done. Ramdatt said residents have been complaining to him about the issue on numerous occasions and he has informed the relevant authorities of same.