The ongoing expansion works on the Public Road along the East Coast of Demerara are progressing well, and it is expected that the four-lane upgrade will be completed by the end of 2018.
This is according to Technical Services Manager attached to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Nigel Erskine, who is overseeing the project.
The US$50.2 million project has two components. One features a four-lane expansion from Better Hope to Annandale, and then an upgrade to the existing two-lane from Annandale to Belfield.
Erksine told Guyana Times International during a telephone interview that the works on the entire project are about 14.1% completed, with focus on the first phase.
According to Erskine, while the two-year project is scheduled to be completed in September 2019, the aim is to wrap up works on the four-lane highway by this year end, and then commence work on the two-lane next year.
Manager, Nigel Erskine
The first phase of the project includes the construction of seven bridges and the extension of 14 culverts. A median along with streetlights will be placed in the centre of four lanes.
“We have started works on two of the seven bridges. Works have started also on some of the culverts, and extensive drain works have been completed. I would say about five kilometres (have been) completed within the four-lane section. We have also done a significant amount of the sub-base and lower base work… All of the work so far is concentrated within the four-lane section, because we’re programming to try to complete the four-lane section before the end of December this year,” Erskine explained.
However, he noted there are some issues that would have to be to be sorted out in order for the works to progress unhindered.
“There are some challenges, and once we are able to address the challenges, such as the relocation of the utilities, we have to relocate vendors at two of the markets, and the other issue (tackled) would be encumbrances on the reserves. So if those things are sorted out in a timely manner, we should be able to complete (the works by) next year September. But we’re working to try to have those issues resolved, so that we could bring the project in on time,” Erskine explained.
Works on the second phase of the project include widening and upgrading of the two- lane from Annandale to Belfield, implementation of sidewalks, and installation of street lights.
According to Erskine, while some days’ work has been lost as a result of the inclement weather, work is generally on schedule to meet the deadline.
Guyana received a US$45.3 million concessional loan from the China EXIM (Export-Import) Bank to finance the road project in an agreement signed in January last year. Initially, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had tried to secure financing for the entire road expansion project, but the money was not readily available; hence the administration had decided to use local funds for preliminary works while it awaited the release of funds from the Chinese to complete the works.
Preliminary works for the four-lane upgrade were completed at the end of 2014. This included widening of the roads and installation of drainage facilities. The project has been divided into seven lots, and awarded to different local contractors.
However, with the China EXIM Bank putting up most of the finances for the road expansion, the contract for the actual road construction was awarded to China Railway First Group for some US$42.7 million. The Chinese construction company reportedly put in the lowest bid of US$46.994.
The PPP/C administration had said it was saving some G$2.8 billion by giving the contract to China Railway First Group.
Upon completing the widening and improvement of the East Coast Demerara Highway, citizens travelling along the East Coast will benefit from reduced travel time and less traffic congestion.
Apart from the road expansion, the residents are also going to benefit from improved drainage, since the East Coast is usually susceptible to floods.
