The construction of a cross street in West Canefield, East Canje Berbice has come in for criticism with residents labelling it as too narrow.
Canefield resident and Pandit, Deodat Persaud questioned “where is the long-term thinking?” According to him the construction of such narrow streets does not support visionary thinking.
According to a release from the Regional Chairman, David Armogan, on September, 3, the first cross street in West Canefield, East Canje Berbice was constructed by the Ministry of Public Works’ Special Projects Unit. The release which called the street a “pathway” noted that it is 12 feet wide with a “concrete finish.”
Further, according to the release, drainage works will be done in the area along with the placement of streetlights.
However, several residents reached out to the Sunday Stabroek and noted that they found the street to be too narrow. The residents stressed that they are grateful for the improvement of the deplorable street, but that they also believed that it should have been done with long-term thinking.
Persaud in his post stated, “In 2022 this is an example of road taxpayers/residents are paying for.” He said, that people should not be saying that it is “better than having a broken one” as he questioned, “Where is the long-term thinking?”
He then opined, “Eventually the sides will break off. What happens when someone parks at the side?”
The Pandit noted, that considering there is a growing population with vehicles then plans must be made for it with such works. He asked, “When will we start building roads to match our status as an oil-producing nation? Is this what the oil money funding? Look at the extra space remaining, couldn’t they include a pedestrian pathway?”
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, who responded to Persaud’s post on social media said that “with the shoulders, these areas and property boundaries don’t allow for widening except for reveted drains which is just as expensive as road construction.”
Indar, who labeled Persaud a pessimist “at best” or someone who draws “unwanted attention” to himself, said, “Be thankful as we build communities”, noting, “the negative rhetoric is not doing anyone any good.”
