More than $300M in roadworks for Region One

Travelling will no longer be a fatigue for residents in Barima-Waini (Region One) with almost $350 million in road rehabilitation set to begin soon.

Residents have lauded the Government’s move to reconstruct the run-down roads, which they said had been in need of repairs for several years.

Mr. Francis De Souza, a resident and former Member of Parliament, told DPI that the new roads will help cut the high transportation cost.

“The cost will go down. People would have better access to transport their produce. They have water transport also but it’s better to travel by road,” Mr. De Souza said.

Like Mr. De Souza, an unnamed Kwebanna resident said he looks forward to the day when the roads will be completed since travelling by boat is expensive.

“We on the other end will suffer terribly if the road is not done properly. Road transportation is cheaper than water transportation, so for us, if the road is bad it means we have to pay more to travel and this means cost of living will go up,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairperson, Ms. Annansha Peters, was also among those welcoming the Administration’s effort to reconstruct the thoroughfares.

“For the people here in Moruca I must say we are overwhelmed with what 0ur Government is doing so far, and we know that the Government only took office a few months ago. So, we are grateful for the roads that will soon be done here in Moruca,” Ms. Peters said.

Toshao of Santa Rosa, Ms. Whanita Phillips

Mr. Francis De Souza, a resident and Former Member of Parliament

One of the internal streets up for rehabilitation.

Toshao of Santa Rosa, Ms. Whanita Phillips said “I know the residents will be very grateful. I must say thank you to the Government for seeing that we really need these roads to be fixed and for delivering on their promise by coming here. We already see contractors on the ground and they are almost ready to work. We are so happy!” she declared.

Contracts awarded

Contracts for the initiation of the infrastructural works within various sub-districts in Barima-Waini have already been signed.

During his visit to the Region on Saturday, Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill said these massive projects cost almost $350 million and the funds were made possible through the 2020 emergency budget.

“Some of these awards were late because budget was only read in October but the contractor understands that my intention is for them to start the work, get their mobilisation in advance, accumulate their material onsite so that can be measured so that they can also get an interim payment certificate, so 2021 budget is not burdened with a significant roll over, so that we will be able to do others in the Region,” Minister Edghill said.

International Import and Supplies is contracted to complete maintenance of internal road works at Baramita at a cost of $14 million. The same company is also to complete phase two rehabilitation works at Barbina Swamp Road. That contracted sum is $39.6 million.

“Rehabilitation of internal roads at Moruca sub-district which will be done by another contractor Vijay and Sons Contracting Services for $34.9. Rehabilitation of M4 to Yarakita Road (phase two) that’s $85.6 million with the International import and supplies), Minister Edghill added.

An $83.9 million contract was also awarded to Mohamed Ramzanalli to rehabilitate/construct the main access road from Kumaka to Kwebanna.

Mabaruma projects

Some $75.3 million was earmarked to rehabilitate the Compound Road (phase four) at Mabaruma by KP Thomas and Sons. Additionally, Chairman of the Region One Regional Democratic Council, Mr. Brentnol Ashley said there has been consultation and residents have agreed to the removal of some old Wallaba trees, which will hinder ongoing works at Compound Road.

A bypass road will also be established for vehicles to utilise while the works are underway.

Meanwhile, International Import and Supplies also received a $13.5 million contract for the maintenance of internal laterite roads in Mabaruma.