Guyana’s physical transformation is moving full steam ahead

Apr 07, 2019 AFC Column, Features / Columnists

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MANARI BYPASS ROAD, REGION 9
The road alignment project in the South Rupununi is complete and in use. Prior to this road project, the Manari Bridge was the scene for many accidents with fatalities. The Government’s commitment to keeping our population as safe and alive much as they could, is one of the reasons for the no-holds-barred approach to fixing this bypass by eliminating the dangerous curve on the approach.
The project was executed by JR Ranch Inc., a construction company with a reputation for outstanding work. The road was raised to prevent flood damage and landslides which are common in the flat terrain of the Rupununi Savannahs. Then a 200mm layer of laterite finished the surface and produced a smooth road.
This is one of many projects that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on. The next stage is the reconstruction of the Manari Bridge before the end of 2019.
SIDEWALKS IN PROVIDENCE/DIAMOND
Thousands of persons will benefit from the new sidewalks being built by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Engineers and road crews have had to work around several challenges that caused delays. The presence of telephone cable was one challenge, and there were other reasons why the civil engineers decided to shift the plans for the sidewalks from the southern side of the road in the vicinity of the Massy supermarket, Qualfon and Texila American University, to the northern side.
Residents are now sure that the sidewalks will safeguard pedestrians and bicyclists, adults and school children who use the narrow public and community roads. Traffic, Safety and Maintenance engineers at the Ministry have already marked the locations for new road signs and street lights.
NEW AIRSTRIP FOR BEMICHI
The newly constructed $69 Million Bemichi Airstrip in Region One is 2,300 feet long and 50 feet wide. It can now accommodate larger aircraft and as a consequence, it will get passengers to and from the location in less time.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said that the Ministry will also install solar powered lights and new directional and air traffic signs.
“This is a great investment and I hope that you will make full use of it. Please ensure that it is used correctly,” he said to the Santa Rosa Village Council. He expressed concern that residents had access to the runway and that they have been using the strip to walk on and drive vehicles on which caused a lot of damage, especially during the wet seasons.
He advised the Village Council to construct a short fence to keep vehicles and pedestrians off the runway.
Pilot and Director of Operations at Roraima Airways, Learie Barclay, said that the Bemichi airstrip is now “the envy of all the runways in the hinterland regions”. Barclay pilots the Roraima Airways Trislander aircraft. “We are flying a plane with capacity for 18 persons, and we can take off fully loaded from this airstrip. This translates into shorter travel time and cheaper rates,” Barclay stated.
There are 51 government-operated airstrips in Guyana, 47 of which are maintained by the Aerodrome Department of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. The remaining four are maintained by village councils. Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Aerodrome Department conducts regular inspections to ensure that every strip is correctly maintained in keeping with the GCAA’s regulations.
MODERN MORUCA BRIDGE
After enduring years of hardship, traversing an old, broken-down wooden bridge that sagged below water level every time it rained, the residents of Moruca in Region 1 are now delighted that they can walk, run, drive and ride over a high concrete and steel bridge that is worth about $110M.
Over 10,000 people in Kumaka, San Jose and surrounding communities are benefitting. This time, the Public Infrastructure Minister and engineers collaborated with the Ministries of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Finance and Public Security. They designed it together and inspected the works together during construction.
The Toshao of Santa Rosa, Whanita Phillips, said that the concrete structure is a definite plus for the communities, noting that about 5,000 persons including students, teachers and nurses cross the bridge daily.
Philomena Torres, a vendor who sells clothing at her shop near the approach to the bridge, was smiling when she said that the residents are happy because they no longer have to endure the broken crossing. 23 years was enough! She said that sometimes people got across on each other’s backs, and in makeshift boats. Those who dared, ventured barefoot through thick mud and dirty water during the rainy season and high tides. Some even received cuts from broken bottles.
Stevens Leung, a resident of Santa Rosa said, “Persons will now walk with ease to sell at Kumaka, and even use taxis to take their goods over the bridge. This is really good for the community”.
After the last official inspection of the bridge, Minister Patterson expressed his satisfaction with the quality of work done. “This is a promise we made to the people and we are delivering. This is a solid bridge that will last for about 40 years … or even longer.”
He said that the bridge was just Phase One of the infrastructural makeover of Moruca. Phase II will involve the rehabilitation of the approach roads on both sides of the bridge, and Phase III will see the entire road network in Santa Rosa re-done.
The minister asked the respective Village Councils to ensure that no “track machines” are allowed to traverse the bridge. “You must protect your property,” he stated.
The new bridge was built high enough to allow passenger and cargo boats to pass on the waterway below with ease. The bridge also has a walkway for pedestrians which will soon be outfitted with safety features for the elderly and children, with solar lamps and hazard lights for boats traversing the water at night.

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