Two multi-million-dollar elevators are now operational at the Peter’s Hall overpass, East Bank Demerara (EBD), which were constructed to reduce road fatalities around that heavily trafficked area.
According to Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, who commissioned the elevators on Friday last, the other elevators are scheduled to be up and running soon. Focus is being placed on the one at Houston, Greater Georgetown in time for the new academic year.
However, five persons from the community were selected to operate the two elevators at Peter’s Hall.
The operators will be working a shift system from 6:00h to 14:00h and from 14:00h to 22:00h.
The decision to close the lifts at 22:00 hrs. is because there is little visibility of pedestrians after the aforementioned time.
The young people will be outfitted with safety vests and radio sets. In the event of an emergency, the operators will be able to connect with their supervisor at the Demerara Habour Bridge Corporation (DHBC).
Minister Patterson also charged the young operators to be respectful at all times and to treat the general public inclusive of children courteously.
He noted that plans are in place to construct more overpasses in busy areas of the country.
“We are working on one in the middle of Agricola. Right in front of the school… The preliminary designs are already out. That is the number one priority in my 2020 budget…we will be installing overpasses on the East Coast. I know four areas are already identified.”
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma who was also present at the commissioning of the Peter’s Hall elevators highlighted the increased safety the overpasses provide, as well as the employment opportunities.
“We are giving back to the community. The workers here [at Peter’s Hall] are from the community and from each area that we have an overpass, the young people from the community will be given an opportunity to work at the facilities.”
Additionally, Public Infrastructure Engineer, Mark Green, relate that an emergency response system is in place should there be a power failure.
The cost for supply and installation of each elevator is said to be G$13M with each having a maximum capacity of 400kg or accommodation capacity for about five persons at a time.
In April, last, government had announced that it would have been installing elevators at five pedestrian overpasses along the EBD corridor.
It was further announced that two elevators each will be installed at five pedestrian overpasses located at the Houston, Eccles, Peter’s Hall, Providence and Diamond villages on the EBD.
Since the overpasses have been completed and accessible to the public, there have been and continue to be mixed feelings about the structures.
Construction of the pedestrian overpasses had commenced mid-2017.
The overpasses were intended not only to reduce the high level of road carnage and enhance public safety, but to also eliminate traffic congestion along the East Bank Road, which is said to be the busiest in the country.
