CH&PA, GPL step up coordination to push EBD-to-Mahaica road project

…engagements ongoing with farmers, property owners along access road

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Dr Martin Pertab, on Tuesday led a technical visit to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Access Road Project as efforts continue to resolve outstanding issues and advance construction.
Pertab was joined by the team leader of the management committee, Kesh Nandlall; the divisional director of engineering services, Ryan Ross; CHPA engineers; and technical representatives from GPL. The visit focused on coordinating works along the main access route and addressing challenges affecting progress.
According to Pertab in a post made on CH&PA’s social media page, close coordination between CHPA and GPL is necessary to ensure that construction activities are properly sequenced, particularly as the completion of the road is required before GPL can install power lines along the corridor.
“We have faced several setbacks, but having GPL on-site with us allows us to directly address those issues. The road must be completed to facilitate the installation of power lines, and that requires continuous monitoring and coordination,” Pertab said.

Over the past few months, CHPA and GPL have been working jointly to keep the project on track. During the site visit, technical and logistical issues were discussed, contractors were engaged on location, and other agencies involved in the project were brought into consultations.
The GPL Access Road Project comprises 12 lots extending from the East Bank of Demerara to Mahaica. Each lot covers approximately four kilometres of roadway. When completed, the road will link South Ruimveldt to the GPL substation at Columbia, Mahaica, improving access and supporting the expansion of electricity infrastructure along the East Coast and East Bank Demerara in Region Four.
Pertab confirmed that the ministry has begun engaging persons whose properties fall within the project corridor and will continue working with agencies such as the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to address related matters.
“The only remaining issue involves a few farmers along the corridor. Evaluations are underway, and appropriate action will be taken shortly,” he said.
The project, valued at approximately $5.58 billion, is part of the Government’s programme aimed at improving access to electricity and supporting development in Region Four.