Works on the Nabaclis road, located at the West Sideline Dam of this East Coast Demerara village, has been resumed, and residents have been assured that the project would be completed without further hindrance.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has made this commitment during a community engagement aimed at addressing the frustrations of residents and clarifying any misconceptions they may have on the ongoing rehabilitation works within their community.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill inspecting ongoing works on Nabaclis road (MoPW photo)
A recent protest in the community was occasioned by the village council seeking to acquire a bill of quantities from the project contractor, along with a notice to inform the residents about the commencement of works. And the project was delayed after the contractor had distributed crusher-run beyond the contractual boundary, and then attempted to rectify this mistake by removing the excess crusher- run, resulting in disruption of work and objections by the community.
In an effort to ensure the project is completed, Edghill has instructed that the contractor adhere to construction protocols and continue engagements with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and residents.
Residents have accordingly been assured that the entire strip of road would be rehabilitated in a phased manner.
“We have another 600 metres remaining, and if you do 356 (metres) now, you have to do another phase; and then we have to do another phase if we don’t get all 600 (metres) done. That depends on money allocation…you have to do it in portions, everybody is getting development at the same time, and then we come back with a phase two and phase three and we keep moving,” the Public Works Minister has said.
As it relates to the additional layering of approximately 200 tons of crusher-run, the contractor has been advised to stand the responsibility for the oversight. Minister Edghill has also said that works must be completed within the specified scope and timeline to allow for prompt progression to phase two.
Residents of Nabaclis West Sideline Dam, East Coast Demerara (MoPW photo)
Further, the minister explained that it is the responsibility of the ministry to ensure the leadership of the community is notified and presented with an unpriced bill of quantities.
On this point, it was explained that the document was delivered and signed by a village representative on February 15, 2024; however, the residents were not made aware of this.
“This was supposed to go to the council, and the council was supposed to know and notify the residents. So, overseer got it, my engineer in the office told me that he did. Now I am having a singed copy to show that it was delivered… What happens at the council, I can’t take responsibility for that, but I am still apologising to the residents,” Minister Edghill added.
Strech of Nabaclis road under construction (MoPW photo)
The first phase is being executed by Rowell Jagroop General Construction Services to the tune of $28.6 million. It spans some 365 metres in length, with another 600 metres to be rehabilitated.
The three-month road contract is part of Government’s community road programme which aims to construct and rehabilitate dilapidated structures across the country.
During the visit, the Public Works Minister disclosed that the ministry would ensure that the rehabilitation of the road is in keeping with the Government’s national build-out plan and its manifesto promise to citizens. (G1)
