Free and Easy access road being upgraded
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, April 2, 2019
The long-awaited rehabilitation of the main road in the community of Free and Easy, West Bank Demerara has begun.
The Regional Administration of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region 3) has incorporated the rehabilitation of the stretch of road as a priority given that it has been neglected for years.
According to the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Jennifer Ferreira–Dougall, the upgrade is in keeping with a promise made to the residents at an outreach which was held in December. “We visited the neighbourhood which can be considered a community in the outlying area of Region Three and the main concern of the villagers was the deplorable road. So as a region, we committed resources to fix the road because we know that proper access to any community will boost the community socially and economically.”
Regional Engineer, Vaughn Solomon noted that the stretch of road is approximately eight miles long and when completed will allow proper egress and ingress to vehicles.
Mark Abrahim, a resident in the community, welcomed the development and expressed appreciation to the administration. “The government met with us just one time at an outreach and they are solving our issue. This is good. The road was so bad that vehicles refused to come in and it forced us to walk long distances especially the schoolchildren. Now, vehicles are coming in and schoolchildren have easier access in and out. People can now use their bicycles and so much more. The development of this road is remarkable!”
Another resident, Leelawattie Sharma was grateful for the upgrades to the toad since it allowed her to transport her produce from the farm to the market more easily. “Now, my ground provision and other produce are reaching the market easier. And I am getting sales easier now because I am reaching out to the market earlier than before and I get to go home back early and spend time with family. This is good for us,” Sharma said.
Story and Images: Ganesh Mahipaul.