The East Coast Crawl

May 23, 2025 Letters

---

Dear Editor

As a resident on the East Coast corridor who traverses the road daily to get to Georgetown for work, I have overtime made several observations that I think are noteworthy of addressing.

Having to navigate the morning and afternoon traffic on the East Coast corridor is more than just a challenge. Stating this on one’s CV would immediately secure them a job as a chauffeur for anyone who knows how patient, cautious and skillful one must be, to avoid collision(s), etc.

We must agree that the traffic situation is caused by numerous factors, some of which we must thank the Government of Guyana for (positive factors). For example, the increase congestion is due to more and more vehicles being on the road, the PPP/C government have made policies that have made it more affordable for persons to own their own vehicle.

Today more than ever before it is easier for persons to purchase their own vehicles and this is evident due to the number of vehicles currently on the road. I know a friend who bought his car in March 2025 with registration number PAK in the 900 series and at the time of writing this letter two months later the registration number is at 8000 and counting. That is 7000 cars in just two months, and this has been the trend since 2020. This shows progress is being made, real development and how affordable it is now for everyone.

Not ignorant to this fact, the government has been investing tremendously in infrastructure. It is evident as everywhere you turn there is some road under construction. On the East Coast we are currently seeing the reconstruction and widening of the railway embankment into a four-lane highway from Sheriff Street to Enmore and even beyond. This is a project that we must thank the PPP/C government for, though we know the inconvenience we face with its construction. This project once completed will reduce the traffic congestion by at-least 50% (speculated).

While construction progresses on the railway embankment, drivers face significant challenges traversing the only main east coast public road (Rupert Craig Highway). As of recent the Guyana Police Force and Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh has opened a third lane in the morning heading to Georgetown. This starts from LBI and ends at UG Road. While it is a good idea and helps with the traffic congestion it would be better if additional measures are applied to this. For example, mini-buses and trucks especially should not be allowed in the third lane. When these trucks and buses enter the third lane and they stop, it also stops and slows down the entire line behind them.

Preventing these categories of vehicles from using the third lane would allow a more efficient flow of traffic all the way to the city. Trucks and buses should be restricted to one lane on the southern carriage way. Added to this, the third lane is started from 7:00 am, however, by this time there is already a significant build up of traffic on the roadways. As such, the third lane should be opened from at least 6:30 am to “prevent” the heavy build up and allow for more free flowing traffic. The same methodology can be adopted in reverse for the afternoon traffic proceeding EAST

Other measures that can be put in place includes the introduction of staggering work hours. Government should encourage businesses and offices both in the public and private sector to adjust and adopt to more flexible start/ end times for work to reduce the peak hours of traffic. Taking a bit of Urban Policy and Planning into perspective, government should also consider decentralising. Government should relocate some of its services including NIS, GRA (LRO), etc. and offices out of Georgetown. This will significantly reduce daily commuting to the city, reduce congestion in and around the city and also promote productivity and efficiency of offices to some extent. In some areas, both public and private sector should introduce and promote remote working where feasible, allowing persons to work some days at home and some in office. This will also aide significantly in curbing the traffic situation.

Additionally, the world currently is being technologically transformed in every aspect and AI is becoming more prevalent in everyday life. Alluding to this the government can use innovative traffic cameras and sensors powered by AI to monitor and adjust traffic signals dynamically. Further, a mobile app should be developed with real time maps and activity updates with an alert system to notify drivers of traffic congestions (accidents, blocked roadways, etc.) and alternative routes available so that they can plan their trip accordingly.

In concluding, I cannot blame the government for what is happening. It is clear that they have the future and development of this country in their best interests, something only the PPP/C is known for. What we as citizens should understand is that these temporary discomforts or inconvenience is the price we pay. However, the government and police force can make it less burdensome by taking into consideration the recommendations mentioned earlier. These little and quite inexpensive changes can practically reduce the traffic congestion for everyone. We must play our part in being good, DISCIPLINED drivers and road users and enforcing the five C’s. We must acknowledge that though the police force (Traffic Dept.) may make some mistakes, they are doing what is humanly possible. It is also noteworthy to recognise them for their efforts in the rain and sun everyday trying to control the traffic and bring some order to our roadways.

Sincerely

By Shivesh Persaud         

---

---