Govt awards contracts for emergency road works in Noitgedacht, West Watooka
The Noitgedacht Road was in a deplorable state
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill awarded several contracts for emergency road work in Noitgedacht and West Watooka in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Wednesday.
Following a visit to the communities, it was observed that several critical roads are in deplorable conditions thus causing residents to complain to the authorities.
The asphalt road in Noitgedacht became impassable as heavy-duty vehicles were forced to use the roads during the May/June rainy season. On the other hand, damages were caused to the West Watooka main access road following the collapse of a culvert during the rainy season.
On Wednesday, Edghill explained that the emergency repairs will enhance both safety and accessibility on the roadways that serve as a critical link for residents and businesses in the mining town.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, and engineers inspecting the deteriorating conditions of the West Watooka Road
“The commitments for the people of West Watooka and the users of this road within a couple of days you’ll be able to start driving here because we have engaged an emergency contractor. Noitgedacht is being handled right now work is ongoing so it will be easier, and we want to stop those trucks diverting through Noitgedacht and breaking up the road,” Minister Edghill disclosed.
Minister Edghill also emphasised the need for proactive maintenance and responsible usage of the roadways, given that the government has already committed to rehabilitating all the roads in Linden.
“The government has already committed to doing all the roads. What the people who are doing their videos and all the rest of it, they should help us to ensure that trucks with all the lumber and the overweight don’t come on these roads and destroy it,” he asserted.
Some 26 contracts amounting to $1.3 billion were already awarded to repair roads within the mining town.
Meanwhile, following assessments by the engineering department of the Public Works Ministry, local contractors from Linden will also be awarded contracts.
“Like last year what we did cause some of the contractors didn’t have the capacity with the pavers and equipment, so we went to the smaller contractors and they were able to do the concrete roads in sections, and that way we engaged more than 50 contractors in Linden. A similar rollout will be done based upon the assessment my team is doing,” the Minister explained.
According to Edghill, the awarding of contracts to locals are aimed at creating opportunities for small contractors and residents to earn an income.
