In light of recent comments by opposition parties that nearly Gy$15 billion has been wasted on substandard contracts, Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn disclosed that that ministry has managed to recoup monies from delinquent contractors.
Minister Benn described the situation with such contractors as “a constant battle”, noting that the ministry has been writing to them about the manner in which they undertake works. “Last year we have taken action in terms of liquidated damages; and, in one case, we have recovered a considerable sum of money in respect of roads for incomplete works,”Benn said.
The minister also expressed concern about the suitability of the labour force employed by some contractors, as well as the manner in which they deploy resources.
Benn stated that, apart from efficiency, there are also concerns about equipment, assignments and basic logistics, and the rate at which projects are being carried out. “In terms of current works, some are just ongoing. There are claims about delays related to weather and the supply of materials. We have our own concerns, and we have been interacting with those contractors constantly, but this is a continuous battle with respect to how the work is being undertaken,” the transport minister remarked.
He explained that delays due to bad weather and material supply will not be accepted, since working hours can be extended to complete the work. “If we pay more attention to safety in terms of equipment and lighting and barriers, we can keep the work going and can work more hours during the day, particularly when the weather is fine.”
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud also expressed concern about contractors producing substandard work, and said those contractors are in the habit of switching sectors when their mediocrity has been found out in one sector.
Addressing the issue of congested roadways, Benn pointed out that the ministry will employ various measures to ease traffic congestion in the city, but Guyanese meanwhile will have to live with the situation.
Benn stated that, for want of taxation and revenue, government cannot place limitations on the importation of vehicles, but will examine strategies to combat this growing problem. This includes the widening of the Saffon Street thoroughfare, where the majority of traffic from West and East Banks Demerara converges. “We have an intention to widen and add a filter or discharge lane in front of National Printers in the La Penitence area into Lombard Street; and then to further improve the exit going up to Broad Street and going through by the Registration Office,” Benn pointed out. He described the project as a “work in progress”, which is awaiting funding, and disputed speculations that it has been stalled.
With regards to parking, the minister said there are certain areas where minibuses are allowed to park, but the problem arises when vendors take up these positions on the parapets, forcing vehicles to park near the flow of traffic. He stated that careless drivers would also double-park and block vital lanes, which is an issue of enforcement for the City Council and the police.
“We can always come along and, if we go to the chief works officer or the Roads Act, and if it’s a declared public road or in respect to a road leading to the declared public road, we can take away and seize, and ultimately dispose of any vehicle on the parapet which gives a problem for the movement of traffic and for the safety of that traffic,” the transport minister related. However, he said the Transport Ministry will allow the statutory authorities to carry out their responsibilities in regard to controlling and regulating traffic.
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