The Ministry of Public Works and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on Tuesday launched ‘RESOLV’- a digital tool which is designed to disseminate real-time advisories on traffic situations, road closures and diversions to avoid traffic congestion.
Developed by local tech firm, V75 Inc, ‘RESOLV’ allows commuters and stakeholders to easily subscribe for updates via WhatsApp-compatible QR codes or by messaging “subscribe me” directly to its WhatsApp number +1 (786)-244-6125.
During his remarks at the launch, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill said the tool would be well used as the country undergoes major transformation and as the Government seeks to develop the East Bank corridor from Grove to Timehri.
“Guyana, we are going through a major transformation. We are modernizing this country…With this, a notification will come to your phone through WhatsApp. Every Guyanese will be able to get notification in real-time on what is happening on the thoroughfare. They will be able to make adjustments, alternative arrangements. Notifications will come at a certain time ahead…..Construction will be taking place….If there is a diversion that is being created to allow for the flow of traffic, the notification will indicate to you…it will tell you how to keep moving,” he explained.
Edghill said the enhancement project of the East Bank corridor from Grove to Timehri is currently awaiting approval from the IDB. Once granted, he said works will commence.
“Development carries with it inconvenience for a period. This app and this project is to help us to be able to manage the inconvenience that could be experienced during road development and manage it in such a way that you would not have to lose lots of time and be able to plan your lives better,” Edghill said.
According to Edghill, people will recognize the importance of the tool in a matter of time.
He said the government wants to be able to take the launch of this tool as a “learning curve” and eventually be able to introduce it for projects countrywide. “In real time people would be able to get the information,” he noted.
Meanwhile, IDB country representative, Lorena Solorzano-Salazar said the ‘RESOLV’ is one of a number of the Bank’s initiatives geared at supporting safe roads in Guyana.
She said the implementation of ‘RESOLV’ can lead to a reduction in traffic congestion and enable road users to plan for detours or adjust the time of their journey.
According to Solorzano-Salazar, road safety and traffic management are very important and the IDB understands the importance of real time data and communication during construction. “That’s why the IDB partnered with local Guyanese developer V75 and of course the Government through the Ministry of Public Works to develop a special artificial intelligence software. So Guyana has the digital part of the new century,” she said.
