Zero tolerance for misuse of US$22M road
By Clifford Stanley
Guyana Chronicle
September 27, 2003
Contractors and other officials associated with the Mahaica/Rosignol Road Rehabilitation project signaled yesterday that they would adopt a zero tolerance policy toward the illegal occupation of road reserves along the 66-kilometer stretch of roadway both for and after the duration of the project.
"There will be no room for structures for roadside vending or encroaching or misuse of the road shoulders for parking abandoned vehicles or any such activities. People who have such encroachments on the road reserves anywhere along the stretch will have to remove them or they will be removed or dismantled," a representative of DIPCON Engineering Services said.
Mr. Latchman Bhagwandas issued the warning during a meeting with stakeholders on the US$22 million project. The meeting took place in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council of Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice.
Other speakers were Dr. Gerald Webb, DIPCON Construction Manager, Mr. Leon Goring, Engineer attached to the Work Services Group of the Ministry of Public Works, and Mr. Kazi Hassan, Pavements and Materials Engineer of the project consultants, SNC Lavalin.
Representatives of Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T), Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), Police, Region 5 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, and some members of the public attended the meeting.
On the issue of illegal occupation of the road reserves which is a major [problem along several stretches, Bhagwandas said that cleared reserves will facilitate widening and paving of the road shoulders and such features as kerbs, sidewalks and parking lanes.
"The reserves will have to be cleared of all existing encumbrances or encroachments," he stressed.
He said that apart from the general widening of the road, the project will enhance traffic safety with features which will include the placement of rumble strips before bends and low speed zones, the painting of white lines and edge lines, the installation of traffic signs and pedestrian crossings and lighting throughout the 66KM stretch.
DIPCON will also extend 43 existing culverts along the route and build eight new ones to accommodate the widened roadway.
DIPCON will also be responsible for maintenance of the road for up to three years after the completion, which is scheduled for December 5, 2004.