`…what is clear is that the project continues to compromise the safety, well-being, and daily lives of thousands of residents’
The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) yesterday called for answers from the government regarding the $1.45 billion Aubrey Barker Road expansion project which has sparked significant discomfort and frustration among residents of South Ruimveldt.
The ongoing project has faced mounting criticism following a recent incident where several utility poles collapsed, leaving the area without electricity and water.
The PNCR stated that, “While infrastructure development is essential, what is clear is that the project continues to compromise the safety, well-being, and daily lives of thousands of residents in the area.” The party noted the staging of public demonstrations by residents to bring attention to their plight.
The situation escalated weeks ago when fiery protests erupted after the deplorable road network intended to be linked to the East Coast of Demerara became unbearable. This prompted visits from Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill who insisted that the holes be filled that same day.
The PNCR further criticized the government’s handling of the project, citing damage to underground water infrastructure, heavy-duty vehicle damage to roads, and poorly planned road closures that have disrupted traffic.
“Heavy-duty trucks and machinery have caused damage and severe deterioration of roads, creating hazardous conditions and unfair repair costs for vehicle owners,” the statement read. Additionally, the collapse of improperly installed electrical poles created significant safety risks, with exposed wires threatening the lives of residents, pedestrians, and motorists.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has also expressed concern over the situation, calling for credible explanations from the Public Works Ministry and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).
“Why couldn’t they just do it by two blocks at a time and then build the concrete drains? This is all ridiculous. So it happens routinely.
I see it everywhere we have, we have a bunch of engineers who just go down, walk around the road, and they discomfort people all the time when they could work differently, and so it’s something that bothers me, personally, and I’m going to watch this because I think it we’re reaching a stage now where people have to face consequences, including staff of the government, who are responsible for designing things or supervising things, because they’re getting a good salary now”, he said on Thursday at a press conference.
He also said that the collapsed utility poles were not installed according to specifications and pledged to hold those responsible accountable.
“Public Works and GPL have to give credible explanations. Who designed this? Who supervised this? Who allowed this to happen?” Jagdeo questioned.
He emphasized that contractors, engineers, or any complicit government staff should face termination or blacklisting if found responsible. “People have to be blacklisted and fired for this sort of thing, or it’s not going to change”, he said.
Jagdeo also criticized the broader management of the project, calling it a “discomfort to the residents” and stressing the need for better planning and communication during such developments.
Minister in the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, yesterday told Stabroek News that all of the fallen poles have been replanted. He further stated that an investigation has been launched by both the Public Works Ministry and GPL to determine the cause of the collapse of the poles. Once the investigation concludes, action will be taken against those found at fault.
Edghill on Tuesday visited the residents and tendered an apology.
