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Minister Patterson reveals plans for East Bank Demerara Roads
During his speech at the unveiling of Guyana’s 50th Independence Arch at Georgetown’s southern
Minister David Patterson
entrance; Agricola, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson said that while the arch is “just the beginning of the upgrades slated for the East Bank of Demerara,” there is more to come.
He said that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is in its closing stages of the East Bank Demerara Four-Lane Expansion Project. He said that “two contractors are working on the section of road between Providence and Herstelling.”
He identified the end of August this year, as a tentative completion date.
Minister Patterson said, “Not only will the road expansion reduce vehicular operating costs, significantly cut down on travel time, and allow for a smoother flow of traffic, but it is also expected to reduce accidents seen along the East Bank.”
He noted that safety will improve along the East Bank Demerara corridor as a result of the installation of traffic lights, streetlights, and road markings and signs.
“Another significant upgrade will be the creation of three pedestrian overpasses and a fly- over at Diamond. Each month, the Guyana Police Force, through its traffic statistics indicate that pedestrians are the most affected by fatal accidents on our roadways. Saving even a single life is important.
The pedestrian overhead crossings will be located at the Harbour Bridge intersection at Peter’s Hall; Eccles; and Houston. “These sites were chosen following studies which showed that these three areas have the most pedestrian movement.”
Patterson also discussed the proposed vehicular overhead crossings at Diamond. He stated that “this will be located at the intersection of the East Bank Road and Diamond.
Diamond is the biggest housing scheme in our country and it is only expected to grow. The community is also one that suffers from serious traffic congestion so the overhead crossing will be a relief. We expect that the overhead crossing will significantly reduce accidents; save on travel time for those from Diamond; and also precipitate a free flow of traffic at the proposed site.”
“Another MPI initiative, known as the Sustainable Urban Transportation Study, is also expected to improve mobility in and around Georgetown. This study will focus on conducting a comprehensive analysis to improve mobility and will cover the entire city of Georgetown, which consists of areas that contain a complex interaction of land uses and activities.
“The study will also provide specific recommendations and policy options to allocate road space more efficiently among users and will increase the use of cleaner and more sustainable transportation, such as public transportation and non-motorized modes.”
He concluded; “It is important that we look at ways to diagnose the urban transport situation. We all are aware of the problems and trends and the Government of Guyana believes that it is high time that we deal with matters of public transport infrastructure, operations, financing, and institutional organization.
“The Sustainable Urban Transportation Study will support the design of a public transport system to provide users with a safe, efficient, clean, and affordable service.”
He indicated that this is due to start next month “following the no-objection from The Inter-American Development Bank.”
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