Dear Editor,

I wish to address a major problem that is unbecoming in Guyana. It is what I consider inferior work done by contractors on our roads. I am certain that persons would agree with me when I say it is downright disrespectful to the taxpayers of this country by spending their money on poor infrastructure which they are forced to utilize. In my travels throughout Guyana I have seen much of what I am about to discuss.

Mr. Editor, I am under the impression that major roads/streets are supposed to be built so as to endure heavy traffic and require minimal repair. At this point I wish to highlight the condition of a specific road in the Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme where I reside.

The road is a major one used to access the Housing Scheme from the Southeastern Section. This particular road has the adjoining ten streets that comprise the entire Housing Scheme with a population of about two thousand plus. Hence, the traffic is immense.  This road was built in 2006-2007 and already it has seen major works done numerous times over a four-year period. The last repair was done in mid 2009 which saw workers trying to fill the many potholes. I noticed recently the emergence of more potholes. Apart from the potholes expanding, there is an additional problem, parts of the road are sinking. It is becoming very difficult to ride/drive on this road and as a developing community many residents are acquiring vehicles. It would be interesting to see what state the road will be in by next year if the situation is not addressed.

Mr. Editor, there is also a wooden bridge that connects that very road to Industry road/Crown Dam. The bridge is as bad as the road and during the rainy season it is normally covered with water and is almost impossible to cross by foot/vehicle.

I wish to inform the Ministry of Public Works as the responsible agency that the road and bridge are in a bad state and will only worsen; hence professional work needs to be done. I am sure the other residents of Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme share my dissent and are tired of the constant maintenance works which do not benefit the users for long.

I think the Ministry of Public Works needs to be more vigilant when granting these contracts and/or monitor the work that is being done if that is possible.

I hate to be pessimistic but the work done by the contractor on this road leaves much to be desired.

Yours faithfully,
Ricardo Fernandes