Overflown river banks delaying Linden/Lethem road works

DPI, GUYANA, Wednesday, August 09, 2017

Due to the May/June rains, works on several hinterlands roads including the Linden/Lethem road has had to be suspended. This is according to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.

The Minister explained to Department of Public Information (DPI) that during the rainy season contracts that were awarded were stalled. He noted that for the Linden/Lethem road they were faced with several issues beyond their control.

“I know that a lot of people are complaining about the Linden/Lethem road and they have all right to, but it’s an issue out of our control. The Ireng and Takatu riverbanks have overflowed so the water is accumulating in the valley, but the contractors have started working over the weekend and soon they’ll finish and work will continue until a solution is found,” Minister Patterson underlined.

Additionally, it was highlighted that the ministry is exploring the use of more durable materials for the construction of hinterland roads. The Minister has instructed his contractors “to use a bit more geotextile on the road, I’ve also asked them to contact local and international businesses and suppliers that supply stabalising materials which makes the laterite more a compact soil so we don’t have this battle in rainy season,” the Minister explained.

To date the Ministry has completed 91 percent of its work programme with a total of 83 percent of contracts being awarded. Several of the 28 projects yet to be tendered are being redefined.

This includes the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue project which was signed on March 15, 2013.  This was tendered earlier in the year but was withdrawn. Minister Patterson pointed out that the scope of that project was redefined and will be re-tendered before the end of August.

Other projects being redefined include the Linden/Lethem, the Ituni/Kwakwani and the road leading into Mahdia.

 

By: Ranetta La Fleur