CH&PA host inter-agency consultation on Mandela Ave-Eccles road link
The Ministry of Housing and Water is advancing talks on the construction of the four-lane, Mandela Avenue to Eccles access road project. Today, the Inter-Agency Coordination Committee held a consultation with stakeholders to discuss the way forward.
Minister Hon. Collin Croal who delivered his feature address virtually, said he is pleased to see the CH&PA and stakeholders engaging on the project. He said the project is part of the Government’s macro vision for development, and is crucial to the opening of avenues for transformation in housing, business and other sectors.
Minister Croal said the PPP/C Administration is working to link regions and communities as part of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision for ‘One Guyana.’
“This stakeholders’ engagement is fundamentally important for the success of the project and it provides this consultative forum, which will allow for us to effectively address a range of issues in order for us to have optimal coordination and implementation among those who will be affected,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry, Hon. Susan Rodrigues said the project is part of the major transformational change that awaits Guyana. She said citizens’ welfare and the development of the country remain Government priorities.
“This may be one project but it involves all of these agencies to make it a success and, while we may have, as representatives of different agencies …competing interests, we have to remember that we are working towards one goal and that is to ensure that all of these projects are successful and that the welfare of our citizens and benefits they receive is enhanced,” she said.
Stakeholders at the event included representatives of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service, Ministry of Public Works, the Mayor and City Council and the Guyana Revenue Authority.
President Ali first announced the project following a site visit on January 23 to check the various alignments and interconnections for the alternate road link between Diamond and Eccles. The aim of the project is to ease the traffic congestion on the East Bank Demerara.
“Let’s focus on bringing an end to traffic problems on the East Bank… All of this is to bring ease, fastest commute time, less wear and tear on vehicle, greater efficiency, the amount of man power we lose in the traffic is not sustainable for our development, not sustainable for our citizens, the aim is to improve our standard of living and quality of life by reducing travel time,” President Ali had said.
The project is slated to be completed by November, with works scheduled to start in April. Bids are already out for the access road and will close on February 25. When completed, the road will be 2.8 kilometres long.