With ambitious plan, gov’t promises smoother, safer travel for EBD road users

The thoroughfare along the East Bank of Demerara, one of the vital arteries for the bustling heart of Guyana coastland, has endured its fair share of wear and tear.

Over the years, the relentless flow of vehicles, from small cars to towering trucks, has taken a toll, leading to unsightly bulges and depressions along its surface.

This ongoing struggle with road maintenance has presented a formidable challenge for the Ministry of Public Works, especially with the constant demand for traffic flow day and night.

In response to this pressing issue, the Government of Guyana embarked on an ambitious plan to rejuvenate the East Bank Demerara Public Road.

Recently, they completed a crucial bypass through Grove-Diamond, seamlessly connecting to the new Heroes Highway. This strategic move allows for vital reconstruction of the stretch between Grove and Diamond while ensuring that the wheels of industry keep turning without a hitch.

The plan for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the East Bank road from Mocha to Timehri is impressive. Here’s how it unfolds:

1. Mocha to Diamond:

1. • This segment is set for rehabilitation, backed by funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
   • With the bills of quantities already completed and under review, the works will include:
     • Pothole patching,
     • Milling—removing, grinding, and reusing the top layer of asphalt,
     • Local failure repairs,
     • An asphalt concrete overlay.

2. Grove:

1. • Here, reconstruction is financed by the Government of Guyana, currently in the procurement stage.
   • The works will entail:
     • Excavating unsuitable materials,
     • Backfilling with white sand,
     • Installing geosynthetic fabric,
     • Creating a loam subbase,
     • A crusher run base,
     • An asphalt concrete wearing course,
     • Concrete drains and utilities, which are already complete,
     • A newly operational bypass road from Diamond to Good Success for light vehicles.

3. Good Success to Timehri:

1. • Scheduled for rehabilitation under IDB financing through a Design and Build contract, this segment has already seen contracts signed and designs submitted for approval.
   • The anticipated works include:
     • Rehabilitation of structures,
     • Widening of the carriageway,
     • Installation of roadside furniture and road markings,
     • Street lighting,
     • Pedestrian walkways in residential areas.

4. Buzz Bee Dam to Friendship:

1. • A new four-lane highway is being constructed along the Heroes Highway alignment, with bids currently under evaluation, funded by the Government of Guyana.
   • This ambitious vision aims to extend the road all the way to the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, enhancing connectivity across the region.

While this plan was thoroughly discussed in the National Assembly, concerns arose regarding the allocation of funds for various segments of the undertaking. Some critics have noted that individuals seem to be politicising the discussion, suggesting a lack of a cohesive strategy to tackle the issues along the East Bank Public Road.

As can be observed throughout the country, the Government of Guyana is diligently addressing the road transport network and its connectivity with bridges. The end product is undoubtedly what everyone desires—a smoother, safer journey—but the process of getting there is equally important.

With each step taken towards the revitalisation of the East Bank thoroughfare, the promise of progress looms large. The government’s efforts not only aim to enhance infrastructure but also strive to bolster the economy, ensuring that Guyana continues to thrive as a nation on the move. As the roads improve, so too does the potential for growth and opportunity, paving the way for a brighter future for all.