Many sections without reflectors

EBD Road expansion works

As the long-delayed East Bank Demerara (EBD) Road expansion project continues, many commuters have registered their concern over the lack of safety measures, since many sections of the roadway are unlit and without the adequate quota of reflectors. This has posed a major challenge for night drivers.

Part of the road at the village of Herstelling in the vicinity of the Kamboat Restaurant and Buddy’s Housing Scheme, was described as a “blind” section, given the way in which the road was angled. Reports are that this specific section has led to a few minor vehicular collisions.

Guyana Times understands that it was the responsibility of the road construction company to install reflectors on completed sections of the road, as well as traffic diversion zones. The delayed completion of the road has been significantly contributing to traffic congestion. The matter has gained the attention of the Guyana Police Force, which has responsibility for traffic control in the country.

In an interview with this newspaper on Thursday, Traffic Chief Deon Moore explained that several recommendations had been issued by Police to the construction company, but he observed that these recommendations were seemingly going unheeded.

“It seems that they [aren’t listening] to the recommendations as they are more concerned with the [Public Infrastructure] Ministry,” he explained.

When questioned about the state of dialogue the Traffic Department has with the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Moore indicated that their concerns could only be alleviated if recommendations were taken on board.

“We normally have monthly meetings with them and from then, those concerns will be heeded,” Moore posited, adding that implementation of recommendations “are still a work in progress.”

Responding to the occurrence of minor accidents in the area, Moore posited that Police were always concerned by such.

“It is always a concern for us to ensure the roads are safe,” he noted.

On Thursday, Guyana Times sought to ascertain from the Public Infrastructure Ministry what were its recommendations on installing reflectors on medians and other areas, but Minister David Patterson has not yet responded.

In May, Patterson had updated the public on the four-lane expansion project. He had committed that the project was set for completion by the end of August. However, works were still ongoing between Providence and Herstelling.

Minister Patterson had expressed that the expansion would not only serve to provide additional space, but also would significantly cut down on travel time, allow a smoother flow of vehicular traffic, and most importantly, reduce accidents along the East Bank Demerara corridor.

Only a few days ago, Dhanraj Datturam, 51, of Lot 146 Marshon Street, Annandale, East Coast Demerara, lost his life in a two-lorry smash-up at Providence on the East Bank. Another man was injured in the fatal accident.