Although generally satisfied with the progress of works done as part of the Sheriff/Mandela Avenue expansion project, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill has said the quality in some areas did not meet expectations and he has instructed engineers to address how the situation will be remedied.
Speaking at the roundabout at Sheriff Street on Wednesday, Edghill voiced concerns about the area not yet being paved and said that it is contributing to the daily back-up of traffic in the area.
He instructed the engineers to get on with the work and shared that further works will commence on Monday, during which time they will labour during the curfew hours in order to complete the task.
The minister further noted the unevenness of the road which he said was causing problems for the traffic.
Addressing the issue, engineer and head supervisor of the firm SRKN’, David Blake, in a brief comment, explained that the first layer of asphalt is meant to even out depressions and bumps, with its own correctional works in preparation for the final layer and completion of the project.
It was further stated that the final works are expected to be done by an international paving company.
Edghill added that the point of the visit was to identify where progress was being made, where problems are occurring and to find resolution for wherever there is need for intervention at the policy level.
He mentioned also that contractors have been instructed that the areas to be remedied must be identified in writing to prevent any misunderstanding on what is needed to be done.
Hunter St
Meanwhile, Edghill also addressed the work being done at Hunter Street and noted that with the area considered a main artery into the city, the project must be completed in time.
He explained that the issues present at the location were identified as he made mention of the need for adjustment of the drainage at West Front Road.
He announced that those works will be done during the Easter weekend, when the traffic will be less.
The minister stated that an agreement on how contractors will proceed with where Hunter Street ends and where the four-lane highway begins is expected soon. The project is being done by Vieira Logistics 66.
Additionally, Krishna Narine, Local Project Engineer attached to the SRKN’ Engineering firm, shared that the work to pave the identified area will be done during the curfew hours, depending on the weather.
He explained that it is more advantageous doing it during the night while noting that should the paving be done during the day, the amount of traffic traversing will result in a major disruption and defeat the entire purpose of what they intend to accomplish.
He said earth works will be done during the day. The hope is to complete paving before the May/June rain begins followed by the final asphalt layer.
