The Ministry of Public Works reported that all its programmes are moving apace at its monthly meeting held last week and it was reported that in December, 252,500 vehicles crossed the Demerara Harbour Bridge.
Chief Roads Engineer Leon Goring reported that work is progressing on the Hinterland Roads Project, while preparatory work on the East Coast four-lane road has started. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Goring said that the contractors are developing the reserve in a way that will allow concrete drains to be built on both sides of the road. Also, sand would be used to fill the inside edge of the drain and the roadway. “Meanwhile, the contractor for the East Bank four-lane expansion from Providence to Diamond is currently stockpiling materials and conducting a survey after which physical works will commence,” GINA said.
Chief Sea and River Defence Officer Geoffrey Vaughn said that work was ongoing at various locations countrywide. Also, a number of projects were completed in December. “Contractors worked assiduously to complete a total of 30,816 metres both natural and man-made sea defence structures,” he said. In addition, General Manager, Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Rawlston Adams reported that the corporation saw an increase in vehicular traffic during December. Adams said that 252,500 vehicles transited the bridge during the month at a daily average of 8,145, which reflects an increase of 23,226 vehicles compared to November 2011. The highest volume of traffic was recorded on December 24, which registered a total of 9,540 vehicles. The lowest volume was recorded on Friday, December 2, 2011, which registered 6,370 vehicles, he said.
General Manager at the Transport and Harbours Department Marclene Merchant reported that the department’s programme to replace the Makouria class vessels is progressing smoothly. “The arrival of the two new roll-on-/roll-off ferry vessels was a significant accomplishment to further this programme…when the vessels become operational, it will see a number of goods, services and commuters being shuttled along the Parika-Supenaam route,” she said.
