In an effort to curb the issue of drivers not adhering to weight limits on hinterland roads, the Public Infrastructure Ministry will soon be installing vehicle scales along roadways in interior locations.
Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson
Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that he foresaw the installation of these scales soon.
“I do foresee us addressing this issue in the near future. My ministry has some modern scales, which I will like to put in place. But the challenge with that is that it’s the interior, so I have to situate them near police stations. It will not be ideal to have technicians or persons stopping truck drivers who may not wish to stop, so it has to be by a police station,” he said.
The Minister further explained that this move would eventually see new Police Outposts established along hinterland roads. “Where the current Police Stations are located, they are not geared for stopping traffic on the road, they are placed for policing work in your communities.”
Minister Patterson disclosed that the relevant authorities have already been engaged, and appealed to drivers to be extremely careful on hinterland roads.
Drivers are urged to adhere to rules and avoid travelling while overladen. Residents are also being called on to be vigilant and report overweight vehicles.
A sum of $1.5 billion was allocated in the 2018 Budget for road rehabilitation as well as the completion of all rollover projects.
Earlier this year, the Ministry had announced that it was taking a firm stance against mining and mining-related operators who cause significant deterioration to roads in the hinterland regions.
This was announced after concerns were raised over the misuse of hinterland roads, which is in contravention of the Road Users’ Agreement.
According to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, significant sums were expended in the hinterland regions last year for the rehabilitation of roadways. In fact, some $54.5 million was spent in 2016 to repair the Puruni-Itaballi corridor. This corridor is still under maintenance. Furthermore, in 2017, $100 million was allocated to improve the Puruni-Pappishou corridor.
While the agreement notes that the Government of Guyana will use its best efforts to keep the road maintained in good condition at all times, road users must play their part by adhering to stipulations such as the prohibition of vehicles weighing more than 60 tons crossing Itaballi-Puruni bridges. Additionally, the agreement notes that users shall be liable to Government for any damage to Government’s property caused by the negligent use of the roadways by their employees and/or their agents.
