The planned US$75.8 million East Bank of Demerara (EBD) road project from Good Success to Timehri is expected to be completed within the contract period.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill made this announcement during an engagement with stakeholders yesterday, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).
“We expect this project to finish on time within budget and that the citizens get value for money,” the minister stated.
The three-year project being undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) entails the rehabilitation of 23.7 kilometres of roadway. The project also entails the restoration of ancillary roads, bridges and culverts, as well as improved safety features among others, DPI said.
The project is to be integrated with the Soesdyke/Linden highway through the installation of a roundabout, ensuring smoother transitions for commuters.
“When we [government] say 36 months for a contract that’s the end date. If you [contractor] can get it done faster get it done faster. It don’t mean you are going to sit and relax and say you have time, we have to use the opportunities that exist right now…So I am urging you let’s get a work plan that can bring us in ahead of schedule because people’s patience have an expiry date”, Edghill stated.
Similarly, the minister urged stakeholders to adopt a more facilitating stance.
“We can’t have an obstructionist approach,” he asserted, emphasising the collective responsibility in enabling infrastructural advancements.
Upon approval of the design-build for the project, an unpriced bill of quantities will be made accessible on the ministry’s website, to foster transparency and accountability throughout the project’s lifecycle, DPI said.