Works under the hinterland roads project, which encompasses 600 miles of interior road networks and 150 feet of bridges linking Amerindian communities to centres of commercial and social activities, are on track to be completed on schedule, according to Chief Roads Engineer Leon Goring.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, Goring made these disclosures in a recent interview. Goring said residents had long lobbied for works to be done to the road from Karasabai in Region Nine to Monkey Mountain in Region Eight, which is currently undergoing works.
“This road segment is now being attended to by Omai Gold Mines Ltd and to date they have completed 19% starting from Meritezero junction heading inwards…along that segment heading to Monkey Mountain 150 feet of bridges (12 bridges) were constructed as at December 31, 2011 in addition to two others that were completed during the year,” he said.
The works are expected to be completed on schedule, as long as favourable weather persists, he added.
Goring also noted that Karasabai residents had also complained that the road had not yet reached their location; however, this is due to the heavy setback caused by torrential rainfall which resulted in flooding to Region Nine areas last year. However, he expressed confidence that contractors will make progress, as favourable weather continues. Though works are progressing in other locations, contractors V Dalip are experiencing some problems along the stretch of road from Lethem to Aishalton. “V. Dalip is now working between Lethem and the Rupununi River, in the Katoonarib area…despite spotty from June, 2011 onwards; the contract has been working diligently and has completed about 80% of the works…concerning the section from the Rupununi River Bridge up to Aishalton, the last report was that the weather was improving there and BK International was preparing to mobilize to commence works,” Goring explained.
The Chief Engineer also noted that the ministry has undertaken a different approach in the execution of its roads contracts.
He said unlike previous contracts, “the contractor has to establish a 12-month presence on the roadway…apart from the works they will have maintenance camps situated within their area, staffed with a minimal amount of machinery, equipment and personnel to execute maintenance works throughout the year…this is in force along the Linden-Lethem route.”
