…as several ECD communities complain of poor roads
The road which connects the Mahaica Market to Cane Grove, which has been poorly maintained and is in a deplorable state, will soon be rehabilitated to ease the woes of residents.
The current road linking Cane Grove to the Mahaica Market
This was announced by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill after he visited several areas along the East Coast of Demerara on Friday. Along with this key access road, three community streets will also be revamped. In an effort to deliver this promise at the soonest, the smaller network roads will be completed in one week, while the public road is expected to take two weeks.
Edghill assured residents that contractors will have to mobilise as soon as the contract is signed.
He indicated, “Cane Grove was forgotten for many many years. When we were in Government the last time, we did this road and we brought development to Cane Grove and it’s obvious that this road was not maintained and it is now in a very bad shape.”
This is not the only community which will see developmental works. The Minister would have inspected several roads and where necessary, urgent remedial works were ordered. A team of engineers also accompanied him, as the assessment continued throughout sections of Georgetown.
Over in Haslington, works will be done to improve roads and correct a recently completed bridge. In Enmore at Robert’s Square, residents would have complained about the alleged use of substandard materials to construct a bridge. As such, engineers were instructed to work with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council to ensure that the main bridges are operational in the near future.
In Plaisance, works are wrapping up on a bridge that will link Prince William Street with Graham Street. There, residents shared their challenges regarding the poor state of the road.
Over at the Vryheid’s Lust Bridge, expansion works will commence to allow for heavier vehicles to traverse. The two-lane bridge, Minister Edghill explained, will have the capacity to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles.
“So, on the main ECD thoroughfare, we will end up having six lanes. Four out on the main road and in this corridor, two lanes that will be running all the way from David Street to Enmore,” he announced.
At Sussex Street, a main bridge was damaged about two months ago and rehabilitation to mend the issue was not done. The bridge, which is the responsibility of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown, will undergo repairs by the Ministry. The Minister said that given the daily complaints, residents deserve the critical upgrade works, which can cost over $20 million.
A highlight project was the upgrade of the Kingston Band Stand – where another phase of the project is underway to develop a walkway towards the outskirts of the beautified area.
“We must be able to have live shows. We must be able to get the Police Force Band to come out here and give entertainment on a Sunday afternoon. We must be able to get some of the school bands to come out and perform, some of the choirs (especially since) it’s Christmas,” Minister Edghill explained.
