East Bank Berbice residents disappointed

Delayed road project

Following an announcement by Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Chairman David Armogan, that rehabilitation of the East Bank Berbice Road will not be done by Government this year as was promised, residents of that community have expressed disappointment at the broken promise.

The Regional Chairman made the announcement last week after it was conveyed to him that the anticipated US$8 million project is no longer on the cards for this year.

In 2016, the IDB approved the loan and the Public Infrastructure Ministry advertised for the project. The Regional Chairman pointed out that after the tendering process, the successful contractor was expected to commence work in August.

Speaking with Guyana Times, vehicle owner Dennis Morris said he is fed up with the expensive damages to his vehicle caused by the condition of the road.

“Up to Sunday gone we had to change a CV joint for this car and we have to change the other one. People who own vehicles are suffering in this area because it is very expensive to maintain a vehicle in this part of the country and I feel that it is time that this Government help the people in this area; they have people that support them here so they need to step up their game. At least the previous Government use to keep filling the holes; it has never been so long with all these holes. Sometimes three times a year the previous Government use to maintain the road, waiting on the money to do the road,” Morris said.

Meanwhile, another motorist, Azeez Mokah, of Sisters Village said all he has been hearing are promises. “The road is very bad. So long they promise us they have money to fix the road and onto now, they ain’t patch no hole. They promise us that they would start since September…”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the East Bank Hire Car Association, Maxwell Semple, noted that the current Administration has been focusing on other roads in Guyana and has not even patched the road for them. He says it is neglect.

Residents along the affected area have in the past voiced their concerns over the state of the road and held numerous protests hoping to get the attention of officials to have the road rehabilitated. They also expressed frustration that the Government is ignoring them.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson as campaign manager for the coalition Government leading up to the May 2015 General Elections, held a meeting at Edingburgh and told party supporters that should the coalition win the election, their road would have been a priority project. (Andrew Carmichael)