EBD overpasses vandalised

Pedestrian overpasses along the East Bank of Demerara have been vandalised over the past weeks and authorities are urging vandals to refrain from such unlawful acts.
The Public Infrastructure Ministry on Wednesday said that over the past weeks, its engineers have inspected and observed theft and vandalism at these overpasses.
During an inspection, engineers observed that the elevator’s glass door at Providence, EBD, was smashed and electrical and solar panel lights were stolen while at the Diamond overpass, wires were disconnected from the camera systems and both the no cycle and disable signs were stolen.
Further, the corrugated electrical wire cover was removed, the earthing connection was vandalised and its protective cover was stolen, the release said.
Citizens are being asked to report such activities to the nearest police station or the Ministry’s Public Relations Department on 592-227-0799.
A US$364,000 contract was awarded for the construction of a pedestrian overpass at Diamond and a US$1 million contract for those at Houston, Peter’s Hall and Providence.
The overpasses were constructed to ensure pedestrians can cross the road safely.
During the construction of the overpasses, security cameras and other measures were put in place to nab perpetrators.
The Public Infrastructure Ministry has in the past complained about the vandalism of its traffic lights.
Since the overpasses have been completed, there have been and continue to be mixed feelings about the structures, with some taking advantage of the facility while others find the stairs too tedious and time-consuming, opting instead to quickly dash across the road.
However, Minister Patterson had implored pedestrians to use the overpasses as they would guarantee their safety.
The contract for the overpasses at Houston, Eccles and Peter’s Hall was awarded to B and J Civil Works in the sum of US$1,034,326. Meanwhile, there were separate contracts for the Providence and Diamond overpasses which were both awarded to S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services to the tune of US$364,247 and US$364,727 respectively.
Trinidadian supervision firm – RM Engineering Limited – was recruited to oversee the construction of the overpasses.