Catering for the differently abled – Supenaam Waterfront to install ramp
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dnkGUD8yuc” width=”100%” height=”315″]
─ project to be completed by end of March
─ three major consultation meetings held before construction of the project commenced
DPI, Guyana, Friday, January 11, 2019
Differently abled persons will soon be in comfort when using the Supenaam Waterfront following the installation of a ramp specially designed for them. This was disclosed by Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Senior Engineer, Jermaine Braithwaite during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).
According to Braithwaite, the $143M state-of-the-art waterfront will feature several modern designs and cater for persons living with disabilities.
“We are very keen on ensuring what is designed, caters for persons with special needs, so a part of what will be put in place will include specially dedicated ramp access for wheelchairs for easy movement of persons with disabilities,” he underscored.
The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Ministry of Communities. The waterfront project is said to be about 65 per cent nearing completion with a proposed time for completion at the end of March.
He further said, “in terms of status, the major component of the project, which is river defence work, was started in April 2018 by Samaroo’s Investment. At this time, that has been substantially completed… Our latest update is completing backfilling of the area, after which he will be in a position to initiate and advance the construction of the boat landing.”
Other features of the waterfront include; the construction of a promenade to provide space for recreation and leisure, decorative railing along the riverbank, landscaping and parking area. It will also be outfitted with 12 vending units. Eight of those will measure 8ft by 8ft while four will be done at 8ft by 16ft. This will facilitate vending and a hub for tourists and visitors.
Braithwaite also noted that in keeping with government’s thrust, part of the project will go green. “Another thing we are keen on having implemented is environmentally clean energy sources being part of what will provide lighting. Solar panels will be installed to provide a supplementary source of electricity for the vending units and that is something we will collaborate with the Guyana energy agency on getting the systems to implement” he said.
However, what is key to the project, according to the Senior Engineer, is that there were at least three major consultation meetings held before construction of the project commenced. These include consultations with the Regional Democratic Council, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, speedboat operators, vendors and persons who use the waterfront, daily.
The project is being executed by five contractors with Samaroo Investment being the primary contractor. The other contractors are Doodnauth Construction and Supplies, Fyffe Building and Contracting Works, O&O General Contracting Service and Paramlall Goberdhan Contracting.
Isaiah Braithwaite.
Images: Karime Peters.