It is still the early days into the Christmas season, and already there is a build-up of traffic in major commercial and other areas. One could only imagine what the situation would be like as we head closer to Christmas Eve, when persons would be travelling to and from the city to do holiday shopping etc.
It should be pointed out that even when we are out of the holiday season, the traffic congestion during rush hours in the mornings and evenings is also very stressful for citizens to cope with, especially those commuting to and from the city. It is normal to spend more than half-hour in the traffic getting to one’s destination, especially in areas along the East Bank and East Coast corridors, where there is a huge buildup of traffic almost daily.
The situation at the Demerara Harbour Bridge is even worse. In addition to the bridge no longer being adequate to accommodate the large volume of traffic that use it on a daily basis, many have complained that the traffic is badly managed by ranks. During rush hours, there is bumper-to-bumper traffic, with some drivers bullying their way through. This happens even in the presence of the Police.
Certainly, within the last five years or so, traffic congestion in the city and other main thoroughfares has gotten worse, and there could be a number of factors responsible for this. What we have noticed is that although there has been some improvement to the road network over the years, it has not been to the level that is needed to match the demands of road users. For example, within the last fifteen years or so, several new housing schemes were established and several existing ones were expanded across the country, resulting in many more persons commuting to and from the capital city, where they go to school or work.
Also, many more persons are opting to purchase their own vehicles, resulting in thousands of new vehicles traversing our roads. So, within the last decade or so, there has been a five-fold increase in the number of vehicles being driven on the roads. However, the road network expansion programme, even though improving, still cannot accommodate this massive increase.
That said, traffic congestion is not a problem that is unique to Guyana, and certainly cannot be totally eliminated. However, there are ways in which the authorities here could work together to manage the situation more effectively, thereby resulting in less hassle for road users.
For example, the authorities could seek to ensure there is greater Police presence in certain areas, so that there can be a smooth flow of traffic, as drivers are known to break the rules and bully their way through, especially when there is no Police presence. The authorities could also designate more routes for traffic diversion, especially during rush hours and in areas where there is a heavy traffic build-up.
However, these are just short-term solutions. A long- term solution would be to continue looking at ways in which the country’s road network could be expanded, especially in areas that are heavily populated. The East Bank and East Coast road expansion projects, once completed, would bring much relief to the travelling public.
The new roadway will serve as a corridor for communities on the East Bank of Demerara, including Perseverance, Mocha, Providence, Eccles, Peter’s Hall and Aubrey Barker Road. Instead of going through the hectic Georgetown traffic, the new road link would allow drivers the option to divert from the East Coast and onto the bypass road to access the East Bank of Demerara. We are pleased that arrangements for these road projects are now moving with haste.
We urge the authorities to continue to look at ways in which the road network in Guyana could be further expanded, improved, rehabilitated and maintained. In addition to bringing great relief to citizens’ frustrations, it would help to reduce the number of road fatalities, which have reached alarming levels in the country.
Already, this year, the accident rate has reached unacceptable levels. It is hoped that the relevant agencies would continuously review what currently obtains with the aim of making our roads safer and more hassle-free for those who use them.
