“…people can’t be suffering forever” – Edghill
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, declaring that Government is committed to improving road infrastructure across Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), has given contractors who last year received contracts to build concrete roads in communities in that region until the end of this month to complete the roads they are currently building. He also disclosed that contracts are expected to be signed shortly for upgrade of fifteen roads in that region.
During a recent visit to Region Six, Minister Edghill inspected several road projects ongoing throughout the region with intention to ensure that each contractor is building according to specifications, in order that Government would get value for the money expended on improving the lives of its citizens.
Work is ongoing on a section of Strand Road in New Amsterdam, and during his visits to the project, some residents complained about the length of time they have been inconvenienced as the project goes on. Minister Edghill pointed out that contractors must complete their projects within the specified period, and noted that contractors have an obligation to engage residents before commencing work. However, he said that citizens also must respect what the contractors are doing.
As he viewed damage done by a vehicle to a street that is still under construction at Glasgow New Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice, the minister said, “This is a good time to appeal to residents. We have been talking to them about when their road is under construction, and letting them know what is happening, and making alternate arrangements for parking during the period of time when the concrete is curing; but we also have to ask them to be vigilant, that we don’t allow the infrastructure to be damaged by people who just don’t care.”
While at Mount Sinai, popularly known as Angoy’s Avenue, Minister Edghill said those contractors who are currently executing work on community roads there have until the end of this month to complete them. This applies to all other contractors executing works on roads in communities in the region.
“One of the first places that we visited for the execution of road works after we took office in August 2020 was Angoy’s Avenue. We have done a lot of work already, and right now we have more that $300 million worth of projects spanning 15 different roads underway,” the minister noted.
Across Region Six, there are 549 concrete road projects taking place. “All must be completed by the end of March. Some have already been completed; some are at blinding stage, and we are discovering that some have issues,” Minister Edghill has said.
Identifying challenges such as the need to remove Guyana Power and Light (GPL) utility poles that are obstructing roadworks, the minister assured that these issues would be swiftly addressed to meet the March deadline.
“I have my engineers checking, because people can’t be suffering forever,” he added.
Minister Edghill also emphasized that Government’s development agenda prioritizes the well-being of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation or geographic location, because Government is committed to uplifting communities across Guyana.
“We are committed to uplifting communities across Guyana. Just as we transformed Crabwood Creek, Little India, Little Africa, and Black Bush, we are ensuring that Angoy’s Avenue and other communities receive the development they deserve. The PPP/C government is about bringing satisfaction to the people,” he affirmed.
As part of the inspection, the Ministry’s audit team was also deployed to verify the quality and progress of the works, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to accountability and efficiency in public infrastructure development.
Government commended for road works
Meanwhile, Minister Edghill also inspected bridge expansions ongoing along the Corentyne Highway to facilitate the construction of the 4-lane Highway.
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Councillor Sharon Smith was among several residents who praised Government for improving livelihoods in various communities through the upgrading of streets, which will enhance accessibility for all households.
Smith, who serves as Chairperson of the Hogstye-Lancaster Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), expressed gratitude on behalf of the NDC and residents for the roads being built in her community.
“There were areas where we had mud dams, and with this project, we now see these roads being upgraded to paved streets. This will especially benefit children going to school, making their journey safer,” Smith told the Public Works Minister.
Meanwhile, a resident of Whim expressed appreciation for the ongoing roadworks, particularly at the entrance to the temple in the area. He shared with the media that he, along with other residents, had reached out to the minister to request the street upgrade, and he is grateful to see the improvements now taking shape.
Similar sentiments were shared by other residents during Minister Edghill’s visits to Whim and Port Mourant, where roadworks are also progressing. (G4)
