Press Release

17th November, 2020

Press Release

Ministry of Public Works

Communities such as Timehri Alliance, Farm squatting area and Houston to see major Road Improvements before December 31.

November 17, 2020 - Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill, Minister of Public Works visited the communities of Alliance Road Timehri, Farm squatting area and Houston on the East Bank of Demerara. Minister Edghill was accompanied by the Ministry's regional engineer and technical team as well as the Neighbourhood Democratic Council officials, Community Development councilors and community activist, Everton Phool.

Residents sought to speak one on one to Minister Edghill as he provided immediate, short time and long-time resolutions to the people.

The Alliance road residents raised issues such as; drainage, defective lamp post, street lights and the deplorable road network within the community.

Upon arrival in Farm squatting area, Minister Edghill was confronted with numerous issues which he posited needs urgent attention for the safety, health, and wellbeing of the residents.

In the community of Houston the NDC Chairman, Mr. Romel Roopnarine and Regional Councillor Ragnandan Singh were present, the residents came out in their numbers as they sought to raise their grievances to Minister Edghill. Amongst some of the issues raised were; street lights, drainage and road infrastructure.

According to Minister Edghill, “your government is here for you and we will work to make your community safe. As it relates to infrastructural works, my engineers will conduct an assessment and for the other sectors of government I will make representation to the various ministers on your behalf.”

The residents thanked Minister for visiting their community as they look forward to immediate, short term and long-term infrastructural improvements within their community.

By: Ms. Krest Cummings

Senior Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Public Works

PUBLIC ADVISORY (HIGH TIDES ALERT)

10th November, 2020

PUBLIC ADVISORY - HIGH TIDES ALERT

The Ministry of Public Works would like to advise the general public to take all necessary precautions during the spring tides period of November 12, 2020 to November 18, 2020. The predicted tide indicates above normal levels for this impending period. The Sea and River Defence Department considers the following areas to be particularly susceptible to possible flooding as a result of storm surges which may induce overtopping of sea/river defence structures:

Pomeroon River Banks
San Souci to Sarah and Maria’s Pleasure to Meerzorg, Good Success, Zeelandia and Moorfarm, Wakenaam Island
Amsterdam/Retrieve, Endeavour/Blenheim, Cane Garden - Leguan Island
Windsor Forest to DeWillem, West Coast Demerara, Zeelugt, Parika Market Area, Salem to Sparta, E.B.E
Water Street, Georgetown, Helena # 1 & 2, Mahaica.
Belvedere to Cottage, Mahaicony.
Wellington Park/Tarlogie, Lonsdale/Glasgow, E.B.B, Sheet Anchor, Canje River

The highest tides are expected to be on Saturday November 14, 2020 at 3:23pm at a height of 3.27 metres and on Sunday November 15, 2020 at 4:04pm at a height of 3.29 metres. In addition to the captioned locations, all persons residing along the banks of rivers and low-lying coastal areas are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flooding. Precaution should also be taken by all mariners including those operating fishing vessels and larger vessels. The use of beaches and foreshore areas for recreational purposes during this period is not advised.

Contact Telephone nos. 225-9868, 226-1070, 226-4368, 654-4226, 654-4227, 623-1161, 646-3501, 618-5541

The Chief Sea & River Defence Officer

Ministry of Public Works

PUBLIC TRAFFIC ADVISORY

22nd October, 2020

PUBLIC TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Disruption of Traffic on Sheriff Street from Rupert Craig Highway to David Street

(Single Lane of Traffic - Northbound)

The Ministry of Public Works wishes to advise the public that only northbound traffic will be allowed on Sheriff Street from Rupert Craig Highway to David Street on Thursday, 22 October, 2020 between 09:30 to 17:00 hrs. for the trial application of asphalt.

Motorists desirous of accessing the closed section of Sheriff Street will be required to use the Conversation Tree Road or Church Road, Subryanville or another suitable alternate route to ONLY proceed north on Sheriff Street.

Motorists and pedestrians are also asked to exercise caution and observe all directional signs in the area.

For more information please contact Sinohydro on 623-1430 or email: sheriffmandela@gmail.com .The Ministry regrets any inconvenience this operation may cause.

Press Release

16th October, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

Ministry of Public Works

Stabroek Market Walkabout

16 October, 2020 – Honourable Bishop Juan A. Edghill, Minister of Public Works and Honourable Robeson Benn, Minister of Home Affairs along with their technical staff this morning visited the Stabroek Market and its environs.

Both Ministers took to the central hub of commercial activities in Georgetown to inspect and observe the structure of business entities, especially as it pertains to drainage issues, congestion, garbage disposal, private vehicles parking in areas that are not regulated, blockage of fire station service vehicles getting access to and from the fire station and the layout of vendors who are hindering the flow of traffic.

It was announced by Minister Benn that the city fire station service department will begin washing of the tarmacs and bus parks over the weekend in the vicinity of the Stabroek market, while the Ministry of Public Works will commence patching of the roads and painting clear demarcation lines for bus lanes and travel lanes.

According to Minister Edghill, this will ease the congestion and vendors impeding on the roadways to hinder the flow of traffic.”

Further engagements will be conducted with City Council to facilitate the repositioning of vendors to facilitate the smooth flow and movement for vehicles and people.

By: Ms. Krest Cummings

Senior Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

15th October, 2020

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

Topic: Road Safety is of Utmost Importance – Minister Edghill

(7 October, 2020) – The Guyana National Road Safety Council and Clarke’s Production Inc. held a Press Conference to officially launch an enforcement campaign for improved safety and usage on our roadways.

A number of activities have been air marked to observe the October-November National Road Safety Campaign in partnership with the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department and other Road Safety Stakeholders. Some of which includes a launch of the Guyana National Road Safety theme 2020-2021 competition, observing World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2020, video production (Faces behind the figures), launch of defensive Road use campaign in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister, Public Affairs, launch of Guyana National Road Safety week activities and virtual engineers conference.

In addressing the gathering, Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill stated the World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed road injuries as one of the top ten causes of death in lower to middle income countries. Therefore, the Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring that we provide adequate and effective roadways with safety being of utmost importance.

According to Minister Edghill, the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic administration had promised in their manifesto to implement an Urban Improvement Programme and we told the people of Guyana, that we would ‘hit the road fast’ but with our infrastructural works; not with speed on our roadways. Minister further noted he’s pleased to inform that they will be keeping those promises. More so, in the 2020 budget, funds have been allocated and identified vulnerable locations, that we intend to implement highway lighting; which is aimed at improving security for road users.

Minister Edghill further noted that for the 2021 budget, the Government will be allocating funds to install bicycle lanes where the space is available, highway lighting, improving the geometry to critical sections of our roads, additional traffic signs, traffic signals; improving of pedestrian crossings and pedestrian walkways.

Minister sought to highlight nine important things he expects to be addressed as it relates to road safety in Guyana, those include;

1. The use or excessive use of alcohol and its impact on road accidents which if not ends in fatality, ends with lots of persons being disabled and unable to work.

2. Speeding on our roadways.

3. Over worked drivers especially in the private sector and the public transportation providers. Minister noted, that a person cannot and should not be working 20/22 hours without rest. Minster is calling upon managers, human resource officers, owners of taxi services and owners of minibuses that have leased their vehicles to operators to operate must be mindful that they are not doing so to an overworked driver because if that is the case, you can expect damage to life, limp and damage to that vehicle.

4. Carelessness by drivers, Minister emphasized that we must enforce the charge for careless driving as persons sometimes have no regard in using the roadways with care. Minister Edghill noted that a person should not only be charged for careless driving when there is an accident but when there is no accident as well but the police had observed their mode of driving. According to Minister, mechanisms must be developed to assess, charge and successfully prosecute such carelessness.

5. The use of cellular phone while driving. Minister Edghill posited that there is sufficient technology available for persons to connect their phone to their vehicles without them taking their eyes off of the road to answer a call while driving. According to Minister, this is an opportunity for investment and to provide safety.

6. Petting and love playing while driving – It is a serious issue on our roads and on many occasions especially with our young people, this is unacceptable and such activities should not be conducted while driving since it endangers the lives of others, said Minister Edghill.

7. Undertaking on our roadways has become a normal phenomenon according to Minister, this must stop because as we seek to develop laned highways, there will be need for more public education about lane driving.

8. The amount of emergency vehicles that have been in accidents is a source of great concern. Minister Edghill noted, that somewhere along the line something must be done for those who are using the emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire and police vehicle, and for vehicle drivers who are hearing the siren sound to give way.

9. Persons who are selling at the corner of the roads but not limited to persons who dump sand, stone, debris and park vehicles on the corner of the road. Minister strongly posited that space left on the corner of the road is left there in the event of an emergency so driver can maneuver. But often times drivers cannot avoid head-on collisions because of obstructions on the corner of the road.

By: Ms. Krest Cummings

Senior Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

15th October, 2020

Ministry of Public Works

Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill received Courtesy Call from the Shipping Association of Guyana

(6 October, 2020) – On Monday, October 5, 2020, Honourable Bishop Juan A. Edghill was paid a courtesy visit by the Shipping Association of Guyana.

During the meeting major infrastructural development were discussed, some of which were; continuous dredging for larger ships, allowing vessels to traverse the Demerara channel at nights as opposed to day, removal of wrecks and salvages, the issue of coastal vessels moving fuels on single hull, insurance for vessels, barges and tugs, congestion in the shipping warehouse, the creation of improved local content in the shipping and Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).

According to Minister Edghill, Guyana receives approximately forty-five call to port on a daily basis; therefore, he urged the Association to position themselves and to prepare in advance for the massive opportunities to come their way especially with the advent of oil and gas. The shipping Association members were further encouraged by the Minister to develop their facilities because as people come to invest, we need our people to benefit from the get go.

Minister Edghill noted it is imperative that we promote the local shipping companies, that is, through shipment and container movement. The Dr. Irfaan Ali’s Administration will be introducing plantation Agriculture which would allow for downstream processing and export, said Minister.

Coming out of the meeting the Association will be forming a “working group with MARAD, and the Minister of Public Works” so as to keep the Government and its stakeholders informed as to the challenges and successes in the shipping industry.

By: Ms. Krest Cummings

Senior Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

15th October, 2020

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

Title: Investigation Team Named and Works has Began

(October 5, 2020) – Honourable Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan A. Edghill; who was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Honourable Deodat Indar, and the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kenneth Jordan, yesterday appointed a High-Level Team to investigate the allegations on the misappropriations in the Management and reselling of Government’s asphalt and it’s connection to the Ministry of Public Works internal staff.

It was announced that Mr. Chateram Ramdihal has been named the team leader, while the other team members are; Ms. Heidi Gillette, Mr. Brion Singh, and Mr. Dexter Smith.

The Team is expected to conduct a thorough investigation back dating from 2013 to present. The investigation is expected to be completed within one months’ time.

Amongst other things discussed, the Team is tasked to:

1. Investigate the veracity of the allegations.

2. Examine the systems at the Plant.

3. Find out its reliability and weaknesses which would allow for malpractices to be capitalized on.

4. We must determine culpability and appropriate penalty to be meted out to those involved.

5. Provide recommendations on a way forward.

Hon. Bishop Edghill charged the Team to examine all aspects of the Corporation so as to get down to the last strand of detail as it relates to the allegations highlighted. Minister Edghill strongly posited that at the end of this entire investigation we must ensure that we have a unanimous report and there is no more hemorrhage of the public’s purse.

According to Minister Edghill this special investigation into the operations of the Asphalt Plant emanated from reading an article in the Kaieteur Newspaper which sent a strong message that persons at the Asphalt Plant and the Ministry are reselling asphalt sold to the Government of Guyana for their own benefit. More so, Minister Edghill said, “As the subject Minister, I think this warrants closure and one of the ways we can do this, is by being objective in examining what was said without prejudice, with a clean eye, and ensuring that we have the necessary facts.”

Further Minister Indar noted that the team must be transparent with each other so as to bring everything together and have a holistic approach in bringing the evidence to the forefront.

For persons who are interested in reaching out to the team you are kindly asked to contact them via email on audashptgy@gmail.com.

The Team comes with a wealth of experience and knowledge in engineering and auditing.

Please see the Team’s experience and qualifications below:

1. Mr. Chateram Ramdihal – Team Leader

His wealth of experience was accumulated having worked as:

• An Auditor at the Office of the Auditor General

• Chief Accountant with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, National Sports Commission

• Finance and Ticketing Manager at Guyana World Cup Inc. Cricket World Cup 2007.

• Chief Executive Officer at Cacique Inc.

• Audit Manager at Maurice Solomon & Co. and Ram & McRae

Mr. Ramdihal is a member of:

• The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana (ICAG)

• The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)

He is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Audit Partner of his own accounting and auditing firm, CHATERAM RAMDIHAL, Chartered Accountants, Professional Services Firm.

Ms. Heidi Gillette – Team Member

• Fellow Guyana Association of Professional Engineer

• Certified Project Management Professional

• Over 20 years’ experience in Construction Management

• Current Head of Inspectorate Division at the Ministry of Public Works

Brion Singh – Team Member

• Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Australian Institute of Business

• BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Guyana

• Project Management Professional (PMP) from Project Management Institute (PMI)

• Technical Diploma in Building and Civil Engineer from the Government Technical Institute (GTI)

• Over 10 years of senior management experience in public sector of which 8 years was at the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation.

Dexter Smith – Team Member

• Bsc in Accounting from the University of Guyana

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• International Certification is Supply Chain Management

• 2011 to present: Audit Manager, Ministry of Public Works

• March 2009 -2011, June 2002- 2006, Audit Senior/ Supervisor at Bank DIH Limited

• October 2008- March – March 2009, Internal Auditor/ Office Manager, Tiger Wood Guyana Limited

• June 2006- July 2008 – Inspector of Taxes in the Audit and verification Division, Guyana Revenue Authority

By: Ms. Krest Cummings

Senior Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

15th October, 2020

Press Release

Ministry of Public Works

Much needed Infrastructure to come to Little and Big Baiboo– Minister Indar

(4 October, 2020) – Honourable Deodat Indar, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works along with a Team from the Guyana Power & Light and the Region Five Regional Chairman Mr. Vickchand Ramphal visited the communities of Little and Big Baiboo on the East Coast of Demerara, where a community meeting was held to listen to the issues and concerns of the people in the area.

Amongst some of the areas highlighted at the meeting were; the deplorable state of the De Hoop road leading to the farms, the main bridge leading to Big Baiboo, street lights, sluices, electricity – this was one of the main concerns since the area never had electricity and the Health Centre – persons complained that the Centre has been neglected and for five years there were no medical personnel visiting the area nor was the supply of drugs distributed to the area. Therefore, in the event of an emergency the Health Center is deemed dysfunctional.

According to Minister Indar, the emergency budget did not cater for the rehabilitation of the road and main bridge in Baiboo. But, however, he noted, “We will have an opportunity to include it in our 2021 budget so as to bring relief to the residents in the area.” Minister Indar noted, this area has been totally neglected over the past five years and the sad thing is, that the previous Minister of Agriculture visited the area and subsequently after his visit, the land tax was increased for the farmers in the area.

Additionally, Minister Indar said, “It is roughly about 1200 persons living in the community of Little Baiboo and the Health Center is in a dilapidated state and we must not continue like this.” We will be dealing with some of these issues right away, some in the medium term and some in the long term said Minister Indar.

Further, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Power & Light (GPL), Mr. Samaroo Ramtahal informed the residents that a team from GPL will return to the area to conduct a survey so as to conduct an evaluation to see all the possible solutions to have electricity in the area as soon as possible.

The Regional Chairman for Region Five (5) in his remarks thanked the Minister for visiting the area and noted that since the Dr. Irfaan Ali Government took office we have seen various developments in the area and four Ministers visiting us and this tells us that they care for us and we will get the necessary amenities in our communities to advance it.

By: Ms. Krest Cummings

Senior Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

15th October, 2020

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

Title ‘Minister Edghill visits Sheriff/ Mandela Expansion Project’

October 3, 2020

Minister of Public Works, Honourable Bishop Juan Edghill today visited the Sheriff/ Mandela road expansion site.

Accompanying Minister Edghill was the contractor SINOHYDRO, Consultant Egis International in association with Srkn’gineering, Mr. Geoffrey Vaughn- Coordinator Works Services Group, MoPW, Mark Green-Project Manager ,Shawn-Ann Green Social and Environmental Officer.

The team walked and inspected works along the 7km $31M USD Sheriff/Mandela road upgrade Project beginning at the junction of Sheriff Street and Rupert Craig Highway and finishing at DSL junction in the vicinity of Hunter street.

Several drainage works and bridges, both completed and under construction were inspected. Issues for decision identified and all items for the speedy execution of this delayed project were addressed. Significant to today’s visit was for the contractors to indicate a date to begin the paving of the road with asphaltic concrete.

At the end of the visit, the Minister summoned all parties to a meeting at his office for Wednesday October 7, 2020.

Before concluding his day the Minister visited works at Hunter street and the damaged bridge at Sussex Street.

Minister Edghill made it very clear that the reason why he is in the fields is because he wants action.

He told the contractor that in Air Condition offices is where talks are held, in the fields is where actual work gets done and he is here to get work done.

By: Department of Public Information

Press Release

15th October, 2020

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

Title: Contractors told to “Get the work done”

October 3, 2020

Today Hon Bishop Juan A Edghill, Minister of Public Works, visited seven sites and walked various stretches where Sea Defense Works are being undertaken in a seven Kilometer stretch in Region Five, Dantzig to Content Mahaicony Area. The contractors Toolsie Persaud Quarries Inc, A & S General Contracting Inc, M&B Constrution, BK International Inc and Colin Talbot Contracting Services who are all contracted to undertake works in various sections were engaged in discussions and facilitated site inspections.

Notably, BK international Inc and A& S General Contracting Inc were engaged to undertake emergency works since June 2020 under the previous administration.

At every site, the message from the Minister was one and the same;

1. Timely implementation

2. Ensuring that while the work is being undertaken, adequate measures are being put in place to prevent flooding and to safeguard livelihoods, especially in light of the expected high tides in another two weeks time and then the anticipated higher tides closer to the Diwali festival

3. Significant sums are being expended on these works and the Government expects high quality and efficiency and nothing less will be accepted.

4. While recognizing the difficult terrain and sometimes harsh weather conditions, the contractors, all at the time of tendering, indicated that they posess the capacity and ability to do the work and excuses and explanations will not prevent enforcement of contractual obligations.

The Minister was accompanied by Vice Chairman of Region Five Mr. Rion Peters, Regional Executive Officer, Ms. Genivieve Blackman, Mr. Kevin Samad-Chief Sea and River Defense Officer, Mr. Stephen Nascimento-Project Engineer and Mr. Kenneth Hamer-District Engineer who have all been advised that monitoring of this project must take a high priority.

Minister Edghill also took the opportunity to visit two sites where mud is being dug and supplied to contractors for works being undertaken.

By: Department of Public Information

first
previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
…
next
last

Press Release

Search by Tags

PUBLIC ADVISORY (HIGH TIDES ALERT)

PUBLIC ADVISORY - HIGH TIDES ALERT

Search by Tags

PUBLIC TRAFFIC ADVISORY

PUBLIC TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Disruption of Traffic on Sheriff Street from Rupert Craig Highway to David Street

(Single Lane of Traffic - Northbound)

Search by Tags

Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

Ministry of Public Works

Stabroek Market Walkabout

Search by Tags

Press Release

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

Topic: Road Safety is of Utmost Importance – Minister Edghill

Search by Tags

Press Release

Ministry of Public Works

Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill received Courtesy Call from the Shipping Association of Guyana

Search by Tags

Press Release

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

Title: Investigation Team Named and Works has Began

Search by Tags

Press Release

Press Release

Ministry of Public Works

Much needed Infrastructure to come to Little and Big Baiboo– Minister Indar

Search by Tags

Press Release

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

Title ‘Minister Edghill visits Sheriff/ Mandela Expansion Project’

Search by Tags

Press Release

Ministry of Public Works

Press Release

Title: Contractors told to “Get the work done”

Search by Tags

USEFUL LINKS​

SUBSCRIBE

USEFUL LINKS