From mud to Concrete Road!
─Bartica-Potaro roadworks progressing
─Phase two to be completed by October
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, June 19, 2019
As the Coalition Government continues to bridge the gap between hinterland communities, the construction of the Bartica-Potaro road in the mining district has been at the top of the agenda.
Marissa Sue, a resident of 5 Miles Housing Scheme within Region 7 recalled the difficulties experience prior to the construction of the roadway. “We used to take long to get to work and have to walk in the mud and so on.”
With the completion of the road, many residents like Marissa will benefit from improved access to their community.
Regional Engineer within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure with responsibilities for works within Region 7 Daniel Balgrim, provided DPI with an exclusive interview on the status of the project. The engineer noted that the project is executed in two phases.
“The first phase of the project would’ve entailed the completion of 500 metres of concrete road,” the Regional Engineer explained. This forms part of the 33 percent of works that have been completed under the flagship project.
In relation to the other construction works to be done, Engineer Balgrim said, “the second phase would see the completion of another thousand metres, bringing the total to approximately one mile of road being completed.”
While the projected deadline for the Bartica-Potaro road is slated for October of this year, phase 2 works have been slightly delayed due to the rainy season that is in effect. The regional also clarified the building of a concrete road rather than an asphalted surface.
“The rigid pavement would provide a better wearing course, like generally a stronger pavement for these heavy-duty trucks that generally traverse the road,” the engineer explained. In addition, the engineer emphasised, “the asphalt itself is very prone to damage due to leaking lubricants and stuff on the road, which you would find is something highly present on these ‘bush’ roads.
Undertaking phase 2 of the Bartica-Potaro road project is a $132Million venture executed by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.
Images: Keno George