Guyana's Electrical Industry relies on the integrity and quality of its Electrical Contractors. A Liscensed Electrical Contractor must set an example of the qualities that customers and the regulator would desire. The code of Conduct for Electrical Contractors therefore provides necessary guidelines which must be followed.
The Government of Guyana has temporarily taken over the operations of the Berbice River Bridge in the interest of public safety.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, made this announcement in a statement issued today. In accordance with the powers conferred upon him by Section 4 (1 and 11) of the Berbice River Bridge Act, Minister Patterson issued the order declaring that the functions of the concessionaire, the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) to maintain and operate the bridge, will be exercised by the Government effective immediately.
Government will manage the bridge’s operation until a date to be specified by the Infrastructure Minister.. Government says it will be done until it believes there is no longer a threat to public safety.
The government and the BBCI have been engaged in a public dispute regarding a unilateral announcement on October 16, 2018 by the company to impose draconian toll increases, as much as 360 per cent, at the Berbice River Bridge.
This proposed increase by BBCI is slated to take effect on November 12, 2018.
The government says, “on the basis of correspondence between both sides as recently as over the past few days, we do not envision a swift resolution to this crisis.”
The Coalition Government reassures that it will do everything in its powers to alleviate disruption to the public and ensure that the assumption of these functions is as smooth as possible.
Further, government is assuring Berbicians and the general public that there will be no change to the present toll structure and all exemptions presently in place will remain in effect.
“Equally, there will be no change to the staffing complement, contractors and suppliers as we transition into this new and hopefully temporary arrangement,” the statement notes.
Read full statement by Minister Patterson:
https://dpi.gov.gy/govt-temporarily-takes-over-operations-of-berbice-bridge-in-the-interest-of-public-safety/
Stacy Carmichael. Image by Department of Public Information.
A SENIOR government official from Brazil’s Ministry of External Relations has revealed that the commitment to build an all-weather road from Lethem to Linden remains a priority for the country even with a change of government.
Head of the Division of Venezuela, Colombia and Guyana, Ana Beatriz Nogueira, recently said “The organs responsible for infrastructure in Brazil are aware of the strategic importance of the Linden-Lethem road.” She further explained that while some key appointments are political in nature, the secretary of infrastructure assured that the necessary budgetary arrangements have already been made.
“They have a technical corps that is not usually affected by political changes,” she said. Nogueira led a delegation of some 30 officials from various agencies in Brazil to meet with Guyanese counterparts at the Seventh Meeting of the Bonfim-Lethem Border Committee that was held in Bonfim on October 30 and 31, 2018.
Chief Transport Planning Officer in Guyana’s Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Patrick Thompson, provided an update on the project during discussions.
“The paving of 454 kilometres of the Linden to Lethem Road and the construction of a deep sea port remain priorities on the infrastructure agenda for Guyana,” he expressed. The Linden to Lethem roadway is being done in phases, starting with the approximately 125 km section from Linden to Mabura Hills. Some US$120M has been guaranteed by the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
In his update at the meeting, the chief planning officer stated that a recently identified international engineering firm is expected to begin the design process in January 2019, which is expected to last for 10 months. The Guyana-Brazil Joint Commission on Infrastructure is pursuing the detailed designs for Phase 2 of the project, which is the 320 km section between Mabura Hills and Lethem. “We are looking forward eagerly to the day when the journey between Georgetown and Lethem is reduced to a mere four hours,” Thompson added.
Meanwhile, a study is being conducted by a firm from the Netherlands to determine the location for a deep sea port close to the mouth of the Demerara, Essequibo or the Berbice River.
“Once completed, Guyana will advertise for expressions of interest from national and international firms desirous of constructing and operating the port in a public-private partnership with the Government of Guyana,” he revealed.
Despite looming implications of political changes in Brazil, the border committee made progress on a number of issues including the re-establishment of the Bilateral Commission on Police Cooperation and Drugs with its first meeting set for March 29, 2019. During the discussions, representatives in the security forces of both nations committed to working closer to curb cross border crime. Brazil has agreed to offer training in the initial instance to 10 Guyanese police officers in identifying vehicular theft.
The two sides were also able to agree on collaboration to combat plant diseases, particularly the Carambola Fruit Fly, which has had implications for trade. Other areas discussed were health, education, environment, judicial cooperation and the International Road Transport Agreement.
Guyana and Brazil have agreed to meet again shortly to evaluate areas of cooperation.
Kaieteur News report.
Several public roads along the coast will soon be outfitted with sidewalks and cycles lanes as the Public Infrastructure Ministry (MOPI) ramps up efforts to bolster road safety.Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Manager of Traffic, Safety & Maintenance at the MOPI, Kester Hinds said the ministry will be lobbying for the funds to allocated be for in 2019 budget.
He explained that public roads, which are subject to heavy traffic flows and where school children frequently traverse, will be first to be targeted. Among these are Diamond, Providence public road – on the East Bank of Demerara and Turkeyen public road, on the East Coast Demerara.
“What we find is that in most communities there are no sidewalks. For instance, on the Corentyne public road (Region Six) there is none and the residents would have to walk on the earthen shoulders, which can be slushy and muddy during the rainy season. So, we’re working towards having sidewalks constructed along this roadway and in several communities, providing we get the monies approved,” Hinds explained.
The ministry has already sent out bids for the construction of the sidewalks at an estimated cost of $88.8M.
Similarly, the ministry is also planning to construct cycles lanes along many public roadways. Hinds noted, “Guyana is developing and while many individuals are driving, cycles remain relevant as many persons still ride. So, with the cycle lanes, we will see everyone having access to safer facilities. We will be pushing for it so that we can incorporate them into our roads”
The ministry has already constructed sidewalks in Woolford Avenue and expended millions of dollars annually for the placement of road safety signs and other measures, across the country, to ensure that the road laws are observed and lives are preserved.
Ranetta La Fleur.
Images: Leon Leung.
Friday, November 2, 2018
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure wishes to advise the Guyanese populace of its condemnation of the draconian toll increase imposed by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) as unilaterally announced on Tuesday, October 16, 2018.
As publicly stated by Hon. David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure, on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 in a Statement made before the 98th Sitting (Eleventh Parliament), “The Coalition Government has no intention of approving the toll increases proposed by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc, and assures the people of Guyana that in the interest of peace, order and good government, we stand ready to protect their legitimate right to a peaceful life in Guyana.”.”
In keeping with this unwavering stance, the Ministry has noted a letter issued by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. which appeared in Stabroek News on November 2, 2018 and wishes to correct the following inaccuracies:
i) It is inaccurate that the Government has refused to meet with the BBCI.
In fact, The Ministry met with the BBCI on Thursday, October 11, 2018, prior to the announcement of the proposed toll increases. At this meeting it was mutually agreed by the parties that the Ministry communicated its offer to assume full responsibility for the maintenance and rehabilitation of thirty nine (39) pontoons- an obligation under the Concession Agreement that the BBCI failed to execute during the years of operation.
By correspondence dated October 16 and 17, 2018 to the Berbice Bridge Company Inc, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure had firmly reiterated its commitment to assume full responsibility for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the thirty nine (39) pontoons. The Berbice Bridge Company Inc. has since acknowledged and accepted this proposal and the Ministry is working towards commencement of maintenance in 2019.
ii) It is further inaccurate that the Ministry of Finance has expressed refusal to meet with the BBCI.
At the meeting held on Thursday, October 11, 2018, BBCI reported that they had debts in excess of G$6 billion. Considering the Ministry’s involvement, the Ministry requested further details on these debts such that the Ministry of Finance would offer review and according actions. At this meeting, a commitment was given by BBCI that full details on these debts would be provided following which this information would be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance after which another meeting was to be scheduled. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure had requested submission of the information by Thursday, November 1, 2018.
As at Wednesday, October 31, 2018, partial information had been submitted, and the Ministry awaits receipt of the remaining information for onward transmission to the Ministry of Finance. This arrangement with the BBCI in furnishing the necessary information for review by the Ministry of Finance prior to a meeting appears to have been ignored by the BBCI as noted in its letter to the publication.
Despite said assertions, on Friday, November 2, 2018, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure received a letter from the BBCI requesting an immediate meeting to pursue dialogue regarding conditional withdrawal of the proposed toll increases. The Ministry wishes to publicly state that while it supports and welcomes the BBCI’s request for transparent discussions, the Ministry is also currently engaged in obtaining legal advice on the matter and the Government of Guyana will be reviewing all available options under the confines of the law, as well as possible actions proposed by BBCI prior to any meeting with the BBCI. Notwithstanding the above, BBCI’s revised proposal will be shared at the next cabinet meeting slated for next Wednesday, after which a meeting with BBCI to communicate cabinet decision, and hopefully move this process forward. The Ministry wishes to note that this response to BBCI is by no means refusal to meet; rather, it serves to ensure that the Government of Guyana continues to stand ready to advance the best possible option to all Guyanese in continuing dialogue.
At this time, the Ministry wishes to assure our Guyanese people that it remains committed to working towards a legal solution in the public interest, and urges BBCI’s public commitment in achieving a mutually agreeable position for the benefit of all Guyanese.
After two years of work by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Mahdia residents are benefitting from upgraded road networks.
The $827M internal roads were officially commissioned today by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, during the declaration of Mahdia’s township status.
Minister Patterson said this venture is a significant milestone since the region has seen sweeping changes over the past two and half years, with major advancement geared towards ensuring safety and efficiency of the roadway.
“This roadway along with the others within Region Eight including the road from Mahdia to Denham Bridge, Mile 78 to Mile 96, Brian Sucre Junction to Mahdia and Mahdia to Konawaruk shows my Ministry’s commitment to providing safe road access to community residents and to commuters in Region Eight alike,” the Minister explained.
Eighty percent of the roads in Mahdia were upgraded from laterite roads to concrete structures, built to last for decades. In the near future speed bumps and fifteen solar street lights will be installed.
In 2019, Region Eight will benefit from the rehabilitation of the road from Karassabi to Paramakatoi and from Hill Foot to the airport in the first phase, then to the new housing scheme in the second phase.
A one-year routine maintenance schedule will be undertaken on the Mabura to Mahdia road corridor, while the bridges will be retrofitted to concrete.
Additionally, in conjunction with the Ministry of Business, the Mahdia to Pamela Landing corridor will also be upgraded. Minister Patterson said this will be integral to the Ministry of Business’ plan of creating an overland route to Kaieteur Falls.
“It is our intention to continue with the rigid pavement roadway up to the airstrip on a yearly basis, with the intention of completing all by 2020. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is looking forward to your support in future infrastructural advancements along the national road networks.”
Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project is still on schedule to be completed by December 31, says Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson.
Work on the runway which began in 2013, resumed in late 2016 after the loan was restructured under the Coalition government.
In a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Patterson said the new Arrivals and Departure sections have been opened to passengers. He added that two of the boarding bridges are operational while two others will be operational next month.
“There are other ongoing works at the airport: we’re preparing a new access road, a new roundabout at the airport and some internal works. So, CJIA is up and running. With the International Civil Aviation Conference Organisation (ICAO) conference coming up in November and American Airlines starting operations on November 14, we hope to show off the country and attract other carriers as well,” Minister Patterson explained.
The new Arrivals terminal became operational in September and is already receiving commendation from passengers.
The outstanding work includes placement of hoardings (billboards) and striping of the runway (to reduce the risk of aircraft over-shooting the runway, or over-flying during take-off). The striping can only be done after the laying of asphaltic concrete on the runway has been completed.
Further, when the project is completed other minor works will be done during the one-year defects and liability period, Minister Patterson said.
“… even when all the works are completed, there is a one-year defects and liability and commissioning period. Therefore, while, the project will be handed over, you would see a workman or two going around to ensure that everything is functioning. We’ve commissioned all the washrooms in the new terminal building, but after three months we have to check it up,” Minister Patterson said.
On completion, the $31.2Billion (US$150Million) expansion projected is expected to have four air passenger boarding bridges for Arrivals and Departures; a 450-seating Departure area, escalators and elevators in addition to an extended runway catering for larger categories of aircraft. The airport has also incorporated Guyanese craft and pictorial images in keeping with a request made by President David Granger to ensure that the airport is uniquely Guyanese.
Earlier in the year, the ministry had sought more than $346Million in supplementary funding to cater for two air bridges and see the project to completion.
Ranetta La Fleur
Images: Department of Public Information
The importance of flood protection systems to Guyana’s social and economic development cannot be over-emphasised.
Recognising this, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in collaboration with the European Union held a meeting with stakeholders for a comprehensive revision of the Sea Defence Acts and Disaster Risk Management, earlier today.
At the meeting, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson said the collaboration is necessary to ensure that the updated sea and river defence legislation is comprehensive, all-encompassing and harmonised with the country’s vision to develop a green state.
Minister Ferguson added that though it addresses several issues relative to the management of the sea defences along our vulnerable coastline, the current Sea Defence Acts is somewhat narrow in scope.
The Acts are concerned primarily with man-made defences and do not properly account for mangroves. The protection of the mangroves falls under other legislative fields but does not serve all needs for sea and river defences and there is no specific enforcement authority for sea and river defences.
“In light of these and other critical observations it is envisaged that the drafting of the updated Sea Defence Bill will address legal interpretations pertaining to the management of sea and river defences, the establishment of entities, institutional arrangements, responsibilities, powers and limitations, regulations, funding mechanisms, penalties and reporting among other critical issues,” Minister Ferguson explained.
Through national financing and donor arrangements with the European Union and Caribbean Development Bank, the government has secured funding for sea defences construction
One important donor programme currently being implemented is 11th European Development Fund programme which will run from 2017-2020 and will see the disbursement of the just over $7Billion (€ $30Million). It is aimed at enhancing Guyana’s disaster risk management and flood resilience capacity through integrated coastal zone management, sea and river defences, drainage and mangrove regeneration and the promotion of gender equality in the sea and river defence sector.
Other programmes include the Sea and River Defence Sector Policy framework in 2015, the 2016-2020 comprehensive Sea and River Defence Sector Strategy Strategic Objective.
Minister Ferguson acknowledged the contributions of the European Union to the sea and river defence sector.
“The European Union has partnered with the Government of Guyana through the provision of donor funding in support of coastal zone management programmes for more than thirty (30) years. The updating of the Sea Defence Act through EU grant financing represents another milestone in this collaborative process and is considered an important advancement in the adoption of a strategic approach to shore zone management in Guyana.”
Substantial lengths of the sea defences were constructed decades ago and reconstruction of critical sections is required in a number of areas.
According to Minister Ferguson, annually, approximately 4Km of the new sea and river defences are constructed to restore adequate levels of flood protection in areas where the existing structures have become critical. Additionally, in excess of 40Km of sea and river defences are improved through rehabilitation and maintenance interventions.
Images: Ministry of Public Infrastructure
The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) observed World Maritime Day 2018 by honouring passenger boat operators.
At a simple ceremony held at MARAD’s Port and Harbour Division, Stabroek Square, more than a dozen speedboat operators who ply the Wakenaam, Bartica, Parika, Supernaam, Leguan and Georgetown routes were presented plaques for their exemplary safety practices and commitment to service by the Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, and Director General of MARAD Claudette Rogers.
The recognition comes as Guyana and the rest of the world observes World Maritime Day 2018 under the theme Our Heritage Better Shipping for A Better Future. Minister Ferguson, noted it was significant giving the substantial progress in the local maritime industry.
Over the last three years, the government has facilitated training of the first batch of maritime cadets, which included women, the establishment of safety centres at Charity, Bartica and Mabaruma, continuous training for technical personnel ISPS compliant terminals Minister Ferguson pointed out.
MARAD also recognised long-serving captains. The lives lost on the waterways were also honoured with the provision of tokens to the relatives of the deceased. Meanwhile, MARAD launched a new logo identifying vessels that are certified by the Administration.
Tiffny Rhodius. Images: Jules Gibson.
Residents of South Rupununi can now travel with ease in and out of their communities following the repairs of several roads in various communities.
The relief came within three weeks following diligent work by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to repair access roads and bridges to facilitate the collaborative drilling of wells in South Rupununi, by the Brazilian and Guyanese armies.
Hinterland Engineer, Jeffrey Walcott explained to the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the roads in the South Rupununi have not been upgraded for years because of various impediments. He, however, said the newly done roads are expected to withstand the elements of weather and last long after the wells have been drilled.
“For a long time, we haven’t done much work in the Deep South and it was a good opportunity to rehabilitate the roads. The Deep South is very unique and the areas are very difficult to get to. It takes a substantive amount of resources to mobilise to these areas, especially for the contractors. It’s not something we were unable to pull off, but there were some challenges,” Walcott explained.
The project was divided into three lots with Lot One being Lethem to Aishalton (North to South), Lot two Aishalton to Shea (South to East) and Lot Three Aishalton to Baishaidrum (South to West).
Walcott informed DPI that the first Lot is almost completed, with some minor polishing of the road remaining, Lot two is completed and Lot three, a joint venture between the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and a local contractor should begin shortly.
The final Lot is expected to be completed in time for work on the last two wells to begin.
In the interim, the plan is to ensure continued maintenance and minimal deterioration of the completed roads during the well-drilling exercise.
“We’re working to improve the roads within this area so we will include them in our maintenance programme for 2019. I appreciate the support from all the agencies. The Civil Defence Commission [CDC] was instrumental in bringing together the agencies and I can appreciate how much you can get done once there is collaboration and proper planning,” Walcott explained to DPI.
The roads upgrade was fast forwarded following a request from the Government of Brazil, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to ensure that those roads which will be used to access the eight communities, in which wells will be drilled, can accommodate the flow of vehicles and equipment.
By: Ranetta La Fleur.
Images: Kennyann Bacchus.
