Linden/Lethem among hinterland roads to be completed in 2016

GINA, GUYANA, Monday, November 14, 2016

Bridging the infrastructural gap between the hinterland and the coastland is a major priority for the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Several roads and bridges have already been improved while others are awaiting completion.

Senior Hinterland Engineer, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Naeem Mohamed told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that works are currently ongoing on the Linden/Lethem road, and should be completed before the year ends. This road corridor links Regions Nine and Ten.

“The Linden/Lethem road is 70-80 percent completed… when it is bad, travelling time is 18 hours, now you can do the Linden/Lethem (trip) in 10 hours. When it’s at its best or the road condition excellent, you can do it in nine hours so you only have one hour down time from Linden to Lethem, so we are getting there. There are also some additional works that need to be done so that it can be in excellent condition,” Mohamed explained.

In Region Eight, there were some challenges in completing the Mahdia internal road. Work on the concrete structure started in 2015 and rolled over to 2016. Technico and J.R Ranch Construction companies are working on the project.

“We had some delays because of the supply of stone to execute the work, but we will be completed soon,” the Engineer noted.

Meanwhile, the recently completed Puruni/Itaballi road in Region Seven will receive minor rehabilitation while work continues on the Linden to Ituni road. Mohamed said that access to the laterite pit for laterite to rehabilitate the road was hindered and had a major wash away during the recent heavy rainfall. The team is however, exploring another route to access the laterite pit while other works are ongoing.

“There is some grading being done on the road to create relief, but there is more work to be done, we should be completed before the year ends. However, regular maintenance would have to be done for the upkeep of the road though.”

The Engineer noted that $1.7B was allocated for the rehabilitation of hinterland roads in Bartica, Mahdia, and Ituni-Kwakwani. He added that the Ministry continues efforts to ensure the hinterland communities benefit from improved roads.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson in his 2016 budget speech said greater initiatives will be taken with regard to hinterland roads, airstrips, and bridges’ upgrades, as well as other infrastructural works, especially in the hinterland.

“In regard to restoring confidence, after taking up the necessary measures of stimulating growth, my Ministry has, and will be taking steps to restore confidence by vigorously working to improve infrastructure across Guyana.

 

 

 

 

By: Ranetta La Fleur