The Ministry of Public Works is currently upgrading sections of the avenues along Waterloo and Carmichael streets that are flood prone.
Kester Hinds, Manager of Traffic, Safety and Maintenance at the ministry, told Stabroek News that the work began in December, when the ministry engaged parties to begin cleaning the areas.
Hinds noted that work is being done along the Waterloo Street avenue from Quamina to Church streets, while the work being done along the Carmichael Street avenue between New Market Street and Lamaha Street.
The avenues are expected to be raised by at least 4 inches.
He added that while the Ministry’s intention is to upgrade all the avenues in the city and to complete the full length of the ones presently being upgraded, they are focused on the critical areas at present.
The works are expected to be completed in two weeks.
Hinds further said the total cost is approximately $15 million.
Chief Sea and River Defence Officer Kevin Samad, in a brief comment, disclosed that works were being done by the ministry since December of last year. He noted that works were done to clear drains and underground tunnels in an attempt to prevent future flooding.
However, he added that in addition to the drainage work done they have also engaged in excavating and clearing up garbage. He said there is a series of underground tunnels and some connection drains that were also cleaned to link to the drainage network.
City Engineer Colvern Venture, when contacted, stated that the city council was not participating in the upgrading works but is awaiting correspondence from the Ministry of Public Works on the works planned to help determine the way forward.
Meanwhile, residents of Waterloo Street have said they are happy
A resident, who only gave her name as Malika, told this newspaper that she was happy about the upgrade of the area as she explained that the work being done will add to the enhancement of the community. She stated that the cleaning of the drains and alleyways will decrease the flooding in the area when there is intense rainfall.
Another resident said that the work being done was “mighty” as he added that it will aid in giving the community a facelift.
Presently, the ministry is engaged in additional clean up works around the city.
Stabroek News observed clean-up work being done at D’Urban Street yesterday.
