Residents of Wakenaam Island are basking in newly installed led lights around the Island community. In keeping with an announcement previously made by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, the first batch of lights and were installed.
The installation of the energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly led lights came amidst years of there being no street lights on the island, residents’ complaints and government’s ‘Green Agenda’ which seeks to ensure that the country is developed with environmentally friendly and sustainable projects.
Jermaine Roger, a resident of Maria Johanna said, “This is real improvement to the highest. Imagine what we thought could never happen is unfolding before our very eyes. Who could have thought that Wakenaam of all places will get street lights? This is just wonderful and anybody that criticises this move just like punishing.”
“Many times, at nights, people are scared to traverse the road because as you know this is a farming community and we have a lot of snakes around. Countless times the poisonous labaria would be sleeping on the road and people got bitten already. With the lights now, some amount of fear is removed and we welcome this level of development,” said Julian Roberts from Noitgedacht, another village in brightness.
Outside of Maria Johanna and Noitgedacht, the other villages that are enjoying the lights include Domburg, Fredricksburg, Sans Souci, Belle Plaine and Sarah.
Community Development Officer, Perry Birbal noted that the lights are not enough to cover the entire island, but it’s a start in the right direction. “Lights are finally here and mind you the promise was made just a few months ago by Minister Patterson. He delivered on his promise and we must commend him for that. Indeed, we don’t have for all the posts around the island but I am guided that this is just the first shipment, we are to expect more light in the second shipment and in due time the entire island will enjoy street lights. So, I am appealing to areas that have not yet received to bear with us a little more, as slowly the good life is coming to all of us,” said Birbal who is also the Regional Councillor representing the island.
Story and Images: Ganesh Mahipaul
There was nothing but high praises from incoming passengers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) who were processed using the facility’s new Arrivals Terminal which became fully operational today.
Passengers on the incoming flights this morning were warmly greeted by the sweet sound of steel pan music and a taste of Guyana’s rich culture.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) had the opportunity to speak with some of the passengers who lauded the new facility.
Doreen Jonas, an overseas-based Guyanese returning home for vacation was visibly lost for words as she expressed her excitement with the new facility. Jonas stated that she is “so impressed” noting that the country has “stepped up.”
Returning from Shangai and South Korea, businessman Hemraj Kissoon remarked that the new facilities remind him of “one of the developed countries” noting the facility is “beautiful and Guyana is going somewhere”.
Dr. Yanick Vibert, who is in Guyana as part of the Bridges Global Missions programme disclosed that this is her third time here. She told DPI that the new infrastructural developments “shows that Guyana isn’t limited by the label of developing country,” noting that upon arrival at CJIA, it is clear that “there is a richness in the country”.
CJIA Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir deemed the official opening “a major milestone in the airport’s infrastructural developments.”
He said that the airport will now “process all arriving passengers through this new terminal.” Ghir made it a point to note that “departing passengers will also be using the boarding bridges.”
“So, in essence, from our operational point of view, we’ll be using the newer part of the terminal for both arrival and departures,” the CEO explained.
He told DPI that works being done in the Departure Terminal as well as on the runway are still ongoing noting that only half of the Departure Terminal is operational. The works are on schedule and are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Anara Khan
Images: Karime Peters
The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL Inc.) is working to create redundancy lines in its network at Anna Regina in order to improve services to health institutions in Region Two.
This was highlighted by GPL’s Chief Executive Officer, Albert Gordon during a multi-stakeholder meeting over the weekend at the Regional Office in Anna Regina. This revelation came on the heels of challenges reportedly experienced at health centres and the district hospital during power outages.
“I understand the issues of lack of water during power outages, and we want to improve the situation and drive development in this region. The 20-year plan for this region will see us transitioning to heavy fuel oil and renewable energy. However, we will still keep the light fuel oil plants for reserve. This will give us enough capacity and help us to address the voltage situation,” Gordon explained.
The CEO added that the power company is also working to source a fibre optic cable to facilitate more standby power.
The Anna Regina Power station currently has a total capacity of six megawatts generated from six units. Of the six units, four are in operation with a total capacity of 4.8 megawatts and the remaining 2.2 megawatts kept on standby for emergencies.
The CEO noted that while the situation has returned to normal, the power company cannot afford to sell its excess capacity but is working towards that goal. Gordon pointed out that, fuel is the main driver for a reduction in rates and noted that with the expected reduction in fuel prices, rates will ultimately go down. The 20-year plan also has a financial model which will address rate reduction.
Other issues highlighted at the meeting included subsidies for pensioners and improved communication systems to better inform residents of services and eventualities. The CEO assured that these matters will be examined and promised continued monitoring of the Anna Regina system.
Regional Vice-Chairman, Juliet Coonjah and Chairman of Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, Dileep Singh lauded the meeting as timely and beneficial to the residents. Singh stated that the organisation supports the green initiative and is of the opinion that it will be beneficial even for the future generation.
Ranetta La Fleur
Image: Leon Leung
Residents of Wallers Delight on the West Coast of Demerara are now free from saltwater intrusion as more than 800 meters of riprap sea-defence works have been completed.
The project, which commenced in November 2017, was completed in three phases. BK International has executed 300 and 260 meters respectively of riprap sea-defence in two phases and Toolsie Persaud Construction completed another 300 meters.
Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Project Coordinator, Dennis Ramsingh said the works were critical due to the rapid degradation of the mangrove trees over the years.
“Had government not taken the intervention to construct riprap sea-defences then there would have been lots of damage and breaches of the embankment. That would have caused inundation to immediate residential agricultural land. But because we were monitoring the area over some time, we had seen the need to take this intervention early,” Ramsingh explained.
The final phase of the project was delayed due to challenges with a regular supply of sand for the work. Also, construction was delayed due to the removal of decayed mangrove trees before the commencement of excavation works.
The project entailed excavation of the seaward slope to construct the slope and toe and the riprap structures which involved excavation, sand filling, placement of geotextile fabric, underlayer and the armour stone which is the finished structure. Ramsingh pointed out that similar works were also completed at Windsor Forest.
“Works were identified at this area (Windsor Forest) because we had aged concrete sea-defences with low crest elevation which contributed to severe overtopping during peak spring tide period. The ministry took the initiative to replace that aged concrete structure with 300 meters of riprap sea-defences,” the Project’s Coordinator underlined.
The project was completed ahead of schedule and entailed excavation of the foreshore, to construct the toe and lower slope, sand filling to construct the upper slope, crest and embankment works were also included.
According to Ramsingh, these riprap structures, which are built of rock or other material used to protect shorelines, require less maintenance and are flexible. Most of the materials for riprap’s construction is also available locally.
Additionally, the areas in Den Amstel, Uitvlugt and Leonora that were flooded earlier in the year due to severe overtopping will also see improvement. Ramsingh indicated that the ministry has already prepared the designs, contracts have been awarded and physical work will commence shortly. These will also be executed in phases.
By: Ranetta La Fleur.
Images by: Jules Gibson.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is putting measures in place to quickly address some residents’ concerns, as it optimises the final design for the new bridge at Moruca.
Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Hinterland Engineer, Jeffrey Walcott explained that the geotechnical investigation for the new bridge was completed last July, and the ministry has since been working on the final design.
The aim, he said, is to deliver a functional and resilient infrastructure that will better serve the community. The issues of flooding and river traffic which affect the residents have been key considerations during the design process.
“There are difficulties in securing and moving extremely long piles, hence the ministry is pursuing an option which will allow for the use of more common lengths. The ministry is also incorporating longer span beams which will allow for piles being driven less frequently in the channel so that it can remain open to river traffic. However, full-length steel beams do require some time for procurement since the sizes required must generally be imported”, Walcott explained.
The $119M contract was awarded to Mohammed Ramzan Ali Khan Construction Company. Walcott said the contractor will resume work in the new week. “The focus will be on getting facilities for alternative crossing in place and addressing any safety concerns in the interim. Major dismantling will commence when all the major items have been acquired to minimise the construction time.”
The community has been engaged, Walcott pointed out. “The ministry has formally met and discussed with representatives from the Regional Administration and Council in May and July of this year, moving the project forward.” He added that next week, a formal visit will be made to update the community.
Standard design drawings were provided to the Assistant Regional Executive Officer (AREO), Toshao and Village Council, and bill of quantity was subsequently provided to the former.
The Hinterland Engineer expressed his appreciation to the council for ensuring that all nearby shops were relocated “for the smooth and uninterrupted flow of work”.
The ministry has deployed a full-time engineer in the Region, as well as a support team from its Head Office and is committed to working with the Region, Toshao and Village Council to ensure quality work is done and the community gets value for money.
A consultant was also engaged to provide sufficient technical support and supervision services during critical aspects of the work.
Images: Jeffrey Walcott (MOPI
Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson has reportedly assured the Private Sector Commission (PSC) that current repairs to the Linden to Lethem road will be completed by the end of August.
In a press statement, the PSC noted that on Friday, Patterson and a team from his ministry, which included Minister in the Ministry, Annette Ferguson, held wide-ranging discussions with a delegation from the PSC on infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, airstrips, stellings, sea defences, ports and a deep water harbour.
“The more than two-hour long meeting with the PSC delegation headed by the governance sub-committee chairman Capt. Gerry Gouveia was convened to facilitate the PSC being brought up to date with current and future plans for key aspects of the nation’s infrastructure development, and to identify some issues with which the private sector is concerned,” the statement explained.
These plans include those for the Linden-Lethem road, which has been the subject of widespread complaint during the last rainy season.
The ministry’s team of technicians reportedly explained to the PSC that quarterly maintenance of the road has proven insufficient and that a monthly schedule of maintenance has now been put in place.
“Emergency work has also been undertaken to fix four hinterland roads among those identified by the Forestry Association; seven of 12 roads identified by the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GM&SA); and the top four (4) identified by the Diamond Miners Association,” the statement added.
“This will begin with the PSC providing the Ministry with regular feedback about the state of airstrips in hinterland communities so as to ensure that these remain in good condition and safe for use by aircraft serving these communities,” the statement explained.
The Minister’s team included Kenneth Jordan (Permanent Secretary); Geoffrey Vaughn (Chief Works Officer), Ron Rahaman (Chief Roads and Bridges Officer), Nigel Erskine (Head, Technical Services), Greg Rickford (Coordinator Hinterland Committee), George Linton (Design Engineer) and Imran Baskh (Design Engineer), while the PSC team included Gerald Gouveia, Edward Boyer, Komal Singh, Deonarine Ramsaroop, Wesley Kirton, Komal Ramnauth, Learie Barclay, Elizabeth Alleyne and Devon Seeram.
By. Stabroek News.
The rehabilitation of the Leguan Ferry Stelling, Region Three is estimated to cost some $455.3 Million according to an engineer’s estimate, which was presented to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday, at the opening of bids.
The project saw 10 local engineering and construction companies bid to carry out rehabilitation works. The bids were opened under the Transport and Harbours Department.
Stabroek News had visited the Leguan Stelling early last year and drivers and other persons who use the facility likened it to a death trap. Numerous piles that were intended to support the stelling were rotting and almost falling off, while various other parts were in a deplorable condition.
Users of the stelling in a July 2017, Stabroek News report had expressed fears of the stelling collapsing because of its deteriorating state.
Bids for the construction of the Port Kaituma Hospital Complex and completion works to the medical, administration, infectious diseases, generator and mortuary buildings, were also opened under the Ministry of Public Health.
The bids which were opened yesterday at NPTAB follow:
Stabroek News Report.
PUBLIC Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said hinterland development is a priority as he addressed Indigenous leaders on the final day of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Friday.
According to Patterson, for the 2017/2018 period, many projects have been embarked upon to improve livelihoods of the Indigenous People. Eight airstrip projects, for example, have been completed in hinterland regions through the Infrastructure Development Plan, Minister Patterson shared.
The completed airstrip projects include those at: Baramita, Region One; Ekereku and Kaikan, Region Seven; Paramakatoi, Kato and Kopinang, Region Eight; and Annai, Region Nine. The airstrip project in Eteringbang is 85 percent complete. Three more airstrip projects will be undertaken this year, while another six are slated for 2019.
Commenting on the quality of work done at one of the airstrips, however, was senior councillor from Paramakatoi, Sheri Balkarran, who shared that there have been issues with the drainage and other concerns. Patterson responded that her concerns were noted and will be rectified.
Answering questions from the leaders also, Patterson also shared that the ministry is seeking to move away from the use of the rooftop solar panels towards the use of ‘utility-scale’ solar farms. These are more viable because they are greater in size and are able to generate more power which feeds into a grid. According to him, 10 hinterland communities will receive these to improve their electricity supply.
“Small areas will be looked at next year. The solar farms will be large enough for all villages in one area,” he said, while explaining that President David Granger has already signed a US $15M line of credit with International Solar Alliance (ISA), for this.
A number of roadway projects have also been engaged in and more are slated for next year, the minister noted, but also said that the Linden to Lethem trail remains a bugbear that the government is working assiduously to remedy.
AFTER almost a quarter of a century without street lights along the main thoroughfare, Stanleytown, New Amsterdam residents celebrated on the streets, after more than 30 electric lamps were switched on in that area on Thursday night.
While the lights will provide a safer environment for residents, it will also help in minimising accidents and vending of narcotics in the area.
Retired Town Clerk Angela Collins said the lights went out in the 1990s and she is happy to see them in action again.
Initially, the town council had the responsibility for electricity along the main and cross streets in the Berbice Township, but had encountered several challenges, resulting in the unavailability of street lightings.
While she is grateful as a citizen of Stanleytown for the lights, she is pleading for additional lighting for the several cross streets, where criminal-minded persons have retreated. Former trade unionist Norman Semple applauded the current APNU+AFC administration for advancing development in the New Amsterdam Township.
“New Amsterdam, which is the capital of Berbice, unfortunately falls within Region Six, (East Berbice /Corentyne), and is managed by the People’s Progressive Party, but no work was done here. I spoke repeatedly to the current Chairman, but New Amsterdam’s neglect was due to politics.
“…Twenty-three years of PPP, because they were dissatisfied that New Amsterdam never voted for them, even though they had controlled the region, nothing was done, except at one time the parapet was cleared, and, because the stuff was never removed, the area became a dumping ground.
“It is this Government which has cleaned up this place, desilted the Republic Canal [reservoir] and is maintaining it. The Strand Road along Stanleytown was impassable for decades; that was rehabilitated and the Main Street and Republic Road were resurfaced in such a short period since the new government took over,” Semple said. He said he is satisfied with the amount of developmental works done over the past three years.
Guyana Chronicle Report.
