Kaituma roadworks to resume August

– Base work 90% completed

DPI, Guyana, Friday, July 20, 2018

Rehabilitation works on the Port Kaituma road in Region One will recommence in August following a period of prolonged rainfall.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson gave this assurance to toshaos and senior village councillors at the final day of the 12th Annual National Toshaos Council conference 2018 being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

“The contractor was on hold due to heavy rain. He has stockpiled materials and the estimated start date is the beginning of August,” Minister Patterson explained.

A $213.2Million contract was awarded in 2017 to KP Thomas and Sons Contracting Incorporated to rehabilitate the Port Kaituma Road that stretches from the airstrip to Fitzburg Housing Scheme.

To date, all culverts have been installed and drainage works are ongoing. Base works currently being executed are 90 percent completed. Construction of the rigid pavement is expected to commence within two weeks’ time.

Earlier in the year, the road gained attention after concerned residents highlighted the conditions during the rainy season on social media platforms. Minister Patterson and his team conducted an intervention where it was discovered that the laterite material being used to construct the roadway was too ‘clastic’ – meaning it contained too much clay. That has since been addressed.

The Port Kaituma/Matthews Ridge-Baramita corridor will also be rehabilitated. These are among several key roadways in the hinterland to be upgraded, in 2018; aimed at improving travel and transportation access between and among hinterland communities.  A total of $1.5Billion has been allocated for these works.

By: Ranetta La Fleur.

Image: Keno George.