Bardon Construction Service has been awarded a $57 million contract to begin the construction of a tarmac at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, which will provide a space for vendors and facilitate parking for taxi drivers.
According to a Ministry of Public Infrastructure press release, the aim of the project is to reduce the number and possibility of vehicular crashes in the area by creating a space where taxi drivers are not “constantly making U-turns or parking near the road edge, or frequently pulling in and out, and obstructing persons from exiting minibuses and walkways”; to separate taxi drivers and vendors from vehicular traffic to allow a smooth flow of traffic in the area, especially during peak hours; and to provide uniformity and proper work facilities to vendors and taxi drivers so that they can provide improved services to customers, while maintaining a level of safety for themselves and the public.
The entire project entails the construction of a tarmac on the southern side of Demerara Distillers Limited with a length of approximately 125 m and width of approximately 65 m, the release explained. It was noted that the works will be executed in two phases, the second of which is scheduled to begin in December.
Bardon Construction Service’s leg of the project will begin this week and is slated to be completed within four months, though there is a twelve month Defects Liability Period in place, which takes effect after the Letter of Completion is issued by the ministry.
The scope of work for this first phase includes the removal of vegetation from the working area, cleaning of existing culverts, excavation work (depth of 0.8m for a width of 65m and length of 125m), disposal of unsuitable materials off site, ditch excavation, placement of compaction of white sand, construction of concrete drains, bridges and box culverts, installation of lights, toilet facilities, garbage bins and a waiting area.
The second phase of the project will consist of the application of asphaltic concrete and the possible extension of the tarmac access road to First Avenue, Diamond.
It was added that the tarmac is to be outfitted with concrete and earthen drains, lighting, toilet facilities, and a waiting area for passengers.
