3-lanes for peak hours on East Bank of Demerara restored
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, November 14, 2019
The customary three lanes of traffic on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), which are usually opened during peak hours, have been restored. This follows a two-day trial by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to re-implement the regular double lanes. The regular system saw lengthy delays of the traffic – affecting commuters.
Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan today apologised for the inconvenience caused for persons living on the EBD and others using the route.
He acknowledged that the move by the GPF caused a bit of distress stating that “it did create a lot of trouble, and I have to apologise. So, we are going to correct the situation.”
“The commissioner has told me, everyone, students going to school in that area, professionals that are working in businesses up the East Bank, public servants that have to travel to work and the airport – they are saying a lane has been taken away from them. So, I suppose the traffic in the mornings coming into Georgetown must use three lanes and, in the afternoon, there must be three lanes, as per normal.”
However, Minister Ramjattan said that additional measures would have to be taken to properly address the issue of congested traffic on the EBD.
One such step, he noted, was to “get the big trucks that carry containers and sand off the road during the morning hours.” The minister said several commuters, who live on the EBD and travel to the city regularly, have relayed that the trucks are sometimes parked on the side of the road, adding to the congestion.
“We will have to work out a better arrangement,” the minister stated.
He further noted the need for an alternative route to remedy the situation, as approximately 10,000 cars enter the country annually. To this end, he assured that the administration will be taking steps to construct the long-promised alternative road from Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to Diamond along the EBD.