Residents and commuters in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, are now reaping the benefits of enhanced road networks following significant infrastructural upgrades in the housing scheme.
The improvement of 75 key thoroughfares covering 25 kilometres fulfills a promise made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, after the community endured poor road conditions for decades.
On Saturday, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill inspected the newly completed roads, noting that the project was carried out by the ministry’s Special Project Unit (SPU) for $690 million.
During his visit, he spoke with residents who expressed gratitude for the essential upgrades.
Taxi driver Alvin Ramratten shared his experiences of navigating the previously dilapidated roads, highlighting that the poor infrastructure had resulted in increased fares and challenges in transporting passengers.
“Now it’s much better, and people are coming onto the street, so it’s good,” he remarked.
Another resident, Imran Khan, noted that it is now easier to travel in and out of the scheme.
Phillip Readie also expressed his appreciation for the upgrades, remarking that it had been a long time since any road improvements had been made in the area.
“With all the potholes, it felt like you were going up and down like in the savannahs. So, I appreciate it very, very much,” he stated.
Echoing the sentiments of the residents, Minister Edghill reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further enhancing road networks across the country.
“It is one thing for me to hear the satisfaction of the residents. People have been living here for years without proper roads, and now they are extremely happy that this work has been completed. We will continue to advance and transform communities,” he emphasised.
The upgrades were carried out on 7th Avenue and 21st Avenue, as well as roads in Avenues A and B at the front of the scheme. Work commenced on 14th February and was completed on 18th September. This initiative follows recent road upgrades in the Grove community, where a total of 29 roads were improved over a distance of 5 kilometres at a cost of $150 million by the Special Project Unit.
