Latest update September 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Dec 11, 2013 News
The frustration of residents and bus drivers traversing the western end of West Front Road is mounting, as potholes in the road are developing into craters; increasing maintenance costs for motorists and posing a danger to pedestrians. The thoroughfare serves as an entry point for Route 47 minibuses into the West Ruimveldt area.
Reports pertaining to the poorly maintained roadway suggest that its condition deteriorated rapidly, with “small” potholes gradually growing and expanding over time across its entire width. It was noted that a month ago, the condition of the road was not as intolerable as it is now.
Drivers of the Route 47 minibuses, voicing their concerns to this newspaper, are of the belief that inclement weather has contributed to a large extent to the constant deterioration of the roadway.
“It’s because of the rain and the street busy. Bus passing every minute… Due to that, every vehicle that go in causing the holes to get bigger and bigger,” one bus driver lamented.
Other residents placed blame on the utility companies, Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T) and Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), noting that the road would be broken to facilitate works. However, repairs carried out thereafter are substandard, resulting in gradual deterioration.
According to the bus driver, there is no other option afforded to them but to brave the large potholes in the execution of their daily activities. This, however, causes a strain on their pockets.
The owner of a fairly new bus expressed his dismay at the current condition of the roadway, noting that he is forced to bear the strain of having to “paddle through” the large holes daily. “Because of the hole, it affects the steering of my bus. The steering ends and racking have to be replaced very often because of the state of the holes.”
The man estimated his expenses to be to the tune of $15,000 monthly.
Moreover, the driver noted that on rainy days the road is completely inundated, causing even more damage to vehicles.
“When the rain fall, the water cover the road. Drivers can’t pick up where got holes. A strange vehicle don’t know the channels of the road and would just run straight into the holes.”
Not only are drivers discontented with the present condition of the public roadway, but residents in immediate proximity have registered their disgruntlement and have expressed worry for their safety. According to some, constant danger lurks, especially considering the fact that fences bordering households are mere metres away from the public road.
Of the concerns voiced, the most worrying is the fear of vehicles crashing into the fences upon attempting to swerve from the potholes, as had occurred in times past.
“The state of the road is evidently seen by taxi drivers, minibus drivers and individuals who work in high offices. They pass it. I don’t think they should turn a blind eye to what they are seeing. It is dangerous,” an elderly resident noted.
The community is now seeking the attention of the Public Works Ministry. They are also requesting that speed bumps be included in the revetment plan so as to cater for the safety of pedestrians.
Meanwhile, speaking with Kaieteur News, Works Ministry Engineer, Ron Rahaman, related that he was not aware of the extent to which the road had deteriorated. He said however, that the Ministry is currently engaged in road-patching activities in Georgetown and will see to it that the West Front Road is examined.
According to him, works to the roadway were scheduled to be carried out before the end of the year by the Ministry’s Force Account Unit. However, due to inclement weather, this was not possible. The Engineer said that definitive steps to restore the craters can only be done in dry weather.
“The crusher run would have to be covered with asphalted concrete… That cannot be done in wet conditions.”
He noted though that works to the Front Road are still expected to be carried out as scheduled, before the year ends.
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