Works on the alternative road link from Eccles to Diamond, East Bank Demerara are being done up to standard, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal told Stabroek News on Saturday whilst accompanying President Ifaan Ali on a site inspection of the $500 million project.
The minister was at the time responding to concerns about the quality of the road presently being constructed, based on images that were emerging in various sections of the media. Critics, who have seen the images, have been questioning whether the road is being built in accordance with road construction standards, as it appears as if the asphalt is being simply laid on an earthen dam without any foundation. Responding to the concerns expressed, Croal said that the road is being built to specification and a sturdy foundation was put in place before it was paved. The Minister did not specify what were the ‘specifications’ and ‘sturdy foundations’ that were put in place.
He noted that because it is a new development, it would appear as if the works are not up to standard. Croal however went on to stress that regular visits are undertaken to ensure that the work being done meets the approved standards.
“The connecting road is being constructed using the appropriate road construction materials, for example, white sand, loam, crusher-run and Asphaltic Concrete which is the final layer,” he added. The road construction is currently being undertaken by three contracting firms – Annirud Ramcharitar Construction Firm, Guyamerica Construction Inc and Bardon Construction. Each contractor was awarded lots, with each lot having its own specifications. Croal also noted that the cost of the road includes lighting. Currently works are being done between Great Diamond and Mocha. He pointed out that with the infrastructure already in place between Eccles to Mocha, they are moving towards interconnecting infrastructure between 6th and 7th Avenue Great Diamond, which will then connect to Mocha.
The alternative road route is being constructed to ease the traffic congestion on the East Bank during peak hours. Minister within the ministry, Susan Rodrigues had told Stabroek News that the road is being constructed at the back of Great Diamond, Little Diamond and Prospect – areas that have been opened up for housing projects.
“The road is very crucial not only for the housing schemes but to address the traffic congestion on the East Bank,” she had said. Croal also accompanied Ali on a second site visit, which is the proposed site for the new road linking East Bank Demerara and Georgetown and a continuation of the current project. The project, which falls under the Ministry of Housing and Water, is expected to be completed by November. The first phase is scheduled to be declared open for traffic use in April 2021. During the familiarisation tour, discussions on alignment and placement of possible interconnectors were held.
“Because of the immediate need to ease the congestion we are now building this alternative connection and interconnection… We are looking at a four-lane connection from Eccles to Mandela Avenue and hopefully by October, November we can have that ready,” President Ali said at the conclusion of his tour on Saturday. The road project will be funded by central government and, according to Croal, it has been in the works since Ali was Minister of Housing and Water. The road project is in no way connected to the India-funded Ogle to Diamond bypass road.
