Time to begin to pick the low hanging fruits

Dec 06, 2023 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

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Kaieteur News – In recent days, this column has spotlighted various concerns plaguing our society – issues that demand more than just quick fixes. For example, this column has addressed the threats faced by pedal cyclists and motor cyclists caused by the increase in motor cars, trucks and heavy duty vehicles on our roadways. These are all low hanging fruits which should have long been permanently addressed.

Today, I want to address another pressing matter that is also a low hanging fruit – the problem of encumbrances on and alongside our roadways.  Just a few days ago, a tragic accident took place on the Corentyne Highway in which a young driver died.

It is reported that his vehicle collided with some sand on the roadway, and flipped over. While the full details of the accident remain unclear, what is apparent is that the sand was a contributory factor to the accident. Guyana is in the midst of significant construction boom. However, the unintended consequences of this growth are becoming increasingly evident as heaps of construction materials, including sand, stone, and wood are deposited alongside our roadways.  Often the stockpiles of sand and stone encroach onto the road surface and become an encumbrance, over which there is little or no enforcement.

The government is just as guilty of such infractions as are private individuals and businesses. These seemingly innocuous piles pose a grave threat to road users, particularly at night when visibility is already compromised by the lack of adequate road lighting.

The recent incident on the Corentyne Public Road serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that arise from unchecked encumbrances. Construction materials strewn along the roadsides become hazardous obstacles, and the consequences of a collision with such obstructions can be catastrophic. The insufficient road lighting exacerbates these risks, creating a perilous environment for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

One recurring issue contributing to the encumbrance problem is the practice of mixing cement directly on the road. Contractors often choose convenience over safety, hindering the smooth flow of traffic and compromising public safety. Additionally, the habit of storing construction materials on the roadside and the apparent lack of regulation regarding the unloading of materials from trucks further compound the issue.

Trucks transporting hardware and construction materials operate with apparent impunity, stopping and unloading their cargo at will and without regard for the impact on traffic flow. This blatant disregard for established norms not only endangers lives but also disrupts the overall efficiency of our road networks. It is imperative that we address this issue comprehensively, focusing on both prevention and enforcement.

While stop-gap measures may temporarily alleviate the problem, a sustainable, long-term solution is essential. First and foremost, there must be stringent regulations in place governing the storage and unloading of construction materials along roadways. Authorities should collaborate with construction companies to establish designated areas for material storage, minimising the risk to road users. Last year, the Ministry of Public Works launched a campaign to remove encumbrances on our roadways. But after an Opposition instigated protest outside of the Georgetown Public Hospital, the Ministry did not sustain the campaign. Derelict vehicles can still be seen strewn along the parapets of public roads.

Simultaneously, there is a need for comprehensive public awareness campaigns targeting both construction companies and the general public. Educating drivers, contractors, and the public about the dangers posed by encumbrances and the importance of adhering to established safety guidelines is crucial in fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Public World had to scold contractors undertaking public works. The Ministry had to remind them of their obligation to remove overburden (including builders’ waste) from the verges of roads. Recognising the inseparable link between road lighting and safety, investments in improved lighting infrastructure should be prioritised. Well-lit roads not only enhance visibility but also act as a deterrent to unauthorised and unsafe practices, contributing to an overall safer road environment. The issue of encumbrances on our public roadways is more than just a minor inconvenience – it is a threat to lives and a hindrance to the smooth functioning of our transportation networks, as is evident in the death of that young man. By implementing and enforcing stringent regulations, raising public awareness and investing in enhanced road lighting, we can pave the way for a safer and more efficient road infrastructure. It is time to commit to permanent solutions rather than stop-gap measures when it comes to safety on our roadways.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

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• Corentyne Highway, fruits, hanging, Peeping Tom, Road

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