KINGSTON - According to the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) monthly Report, approximately 262,544 vehicles traversed the bridge in February, 2015 compared to 241,606 vehicles for the same period in 2014.
The figure represents an 8.7 percent increase.
The report also revealedthat for six days in February 2015 an excess of 10,000 vehicles traversed the bridge in the westerly direction – a milestone on the 36 year-old bridge.
February 19 recorded the highest volume of traffic with 10,818 vehicles; followed by February 24 with 10,361 vehicles; February 21 - 10,241 vehicles; February 2 – 10,174 vehicles; February 14 – 10,173 vehicles and February 20 – 10,117 vehicles.
Private Motor Cars (P) accounted for 51.55 percent of the total volume of traffic, followed by Mini-Buses at 14.06 percent and Hire Motor Cars (H) at 13.31 percent.
The 10,000 plus figure was first recorded on December 21, 2013 when approximately 10,894 vehicles traversed the floating bridge (in the westerly direction).
Measuring 1,851 meters across, the floating bridge was declared opened on July 2, 1978 and is the main transportation link between the east and west banks of the Demerara River.
KINGSTON - Though billions of dollars are spent annually on improving road networks across Guyana, Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn is of the view that a change in the road culture is necessary for the reduction of road deaths.
During the commencement of a US$47M road project on West Coast of Demerara on Thursday, March 19, Minister Benn said that Guyana still faces a “significant issue” with respect to the proper and efficient use of the roads.
He opined that though infrastructures were being provided, it was up to the road users to effectively use the roadways.
“When we put the infrastructure in place, we have the responsibility to ensure the intended use for the road is met. We have to ensure that the parameters in respect to travel time, in respect to road accidents and the associated fatalities and injuries would be met,” Benn said.
He continued, “We need to see a change in the culture of use of the roads. We have to admit that our road culture is still poor; we have to admit that there are significant improvements we have to make in respect to this area. We have to admit that this situation cannot go on in the way that it is going at the moment.”
Benn further said that relevant mechanisms for proper use of the road have to be put in place. He added that significant attention needed to be placed on enforcement in road use. “Because the very people who would have to benefit from the use of the road and who would have to pay too for the roads out of taxes and duties and all of those things, would not see the optimal benefits for the use of the road if the road and other infrastructure are not properly used,” the minister added.
Benn further said that the government of Guyana has been working on upgrading a number of roads. However, he said, traffic safety was the most critical component up for consideration. The minister said, too, that it was important to engage in public safety awareness campaigns with citizens across the country. Benn also said He it was important for information on road safety to be passed along.
Benn said, “If we do not change these behaviours we will continue to have the tremendous risks that we face. We will continue to have the tremendous grief that we face on our roads from time to time, as recently as we saw on the Burma Road where we have problems in respect to the proper use of the roads.”
He went on, “We keep hearing about the carnage on our roads and the unacceptable levels of deaths, injuries and accidents.”
Furthermore, Benn said that loss of life led to “hidden costs” including the loss of working time and the loss of “hard dollars”. “We don’t get the best and optimal use out of the investments we want to put in,” Benn added.
Currently, a number of road works are underway — the East Coast Demerara road project, West Bank Road, Canals #1 and #2 roads, and the East Bank Essequibo Road.
KINGSTON - Repairs to the Georgetown Ferry Stelling have commenced with changes being made to the rails of the structure, which were previously in shambles.
These repairs are being made in light of an incident where a section of the structure collapsed in September 2014.
Major repairs are still needed on the stairwell of the structure which poses a danger to commuters as there is a risk of falling. Individuals who utilise this facility expressed their gratitude for the minor improvements of the structure.
“It’s a start”, one individual said, “but we still have a long way to go” he continued, expressing his hope that there will be reconstruction works done to the entire facility.
According to Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, plans are being made for the improvement of the entire stelling. He stated that the Ministry is focusing largely on the repairs to the structure where commuters would embark and disembark, while adding that close attention is also being paid to the floating ramps.
Benn stated that further repairs and renovations are at a standstill as the fundamental problem to be addressed is funding, stressing that further rehabilitative works on the facility cannot be continued until the repairs are budgeted for in the new Parliament.
KINGSTON - There have numerous developments already in Region Three, and there is much more to come for the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, including a call centre, opening up of agriculture lands, a new bridge across the Demerara River, and major road upgrades among others.
At the launch of the US $46.8M, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Government of Guyana- funded West Coast (Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika) Road Project on March 19, President Donald Ramotar underscored the importance of this huge venture which will not only boost the region’s development, but that of the country which has been propelled by the performance of the economy over the last several years. Guyana has experienced nine consecutive years of economic growth, in face of international and domestic challenges.
The launch was held at the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling and witnessed by a large gathering.
ROADS
There are also plans in train, the president revealed for road expansion works on the West Bank Demerara Highway, the Canal Number One and Two roads and several others in the region.
All of these projects he said, will better the lives of the region’s residents and ultimately their communities which are becoming more organised.
President Ramotar also spoke of government’s proposals which will see a new bridge being built within the next five years over the Demerara River. This, he said could even result in Georgetown being expanded to encompass Vreed-en-Hoop.
Mention was also made of the Amaila Falls Project which, the president indicated, was close to being finalised and construction expected to begin before the end of 2015.
As an aside, the Head of State gave his reaction to a statement made by Opposition Leader David Granger recently, in which he indicated his support for the construction of the Amaila Hydro Power Project. This change in position was a demonstration of his character, he said. He also described as “gung-ho”, the move to allocate various ministerial positions such “vice-presidencies” to members of the joint coalition despite not yet winning the upcoming elections. This evoked loud applause from the large gathering.
AGRICULTURE LANDS
Region Three is primarily agriculture in nature, and according to the president, in addition to rice, the expansion of coconut and soya production would be among crops which could be grown with the opening of the Del Conte Road.
This roadway will result in the opening of thousands of acres of agricultural lands, in the region. All of these are part of government’s efforts to broaden and diversify agricultural production, President Ramotar explained.
President Ramotar reiterated statements expressed by Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, and called on residents and other stakeholders to care the infrastructural works being undertaken at great expense. He also called on them to be understanding with regards to any inconvenience that may be caused by the road project, as it was “for the greater good” of the region and country as whole.
STERN WARNING
The president further issued a stern warning to the Public Works Ministry to ensure that the contractors complete their jobs within the scheduled time frame, and on budget.
“I’m tired of many of the projects not coming in on time and on budget and this is one of the focus we will have to have. We can have consultants justifying all kinds of delays. We must put in all of their contracts, penalty clauses if these things don’t come in on time and on budget. It is time that we look for quality in every area, not only in the physical infrastructure, but in the manner in which we do things as well”.
WEST COAST ROAD PROJECT
Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn said the project was conceptualised in February of 2013 and pushed through at the insistence of the president and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, and his Planning Unit which finalised the funding agreement with the CDB.
There were several factors such as the volume of vehicular traffic, accidents and communities, which were taken into consideration, the minister said.
Describing the stretch of road as the “most critical segment of the national network”, Minister Benn encouraged those responsible to ensure that those who use the thoroughfare “understand what it should be used for and how to use it”. He said he expects that “significant attention” will also be paid to enforcement with regards to usage.
Remarks were also given by Region Three Chairman Julius Faerber who thanked government for the “long awaited project”, and Surrey Paving and Aggregate Company Ltd Executive Michael Archer who revealed that due diligence studies and initial works were started some three months ago. Archer added that his company was proud to partner with a local company such as BK Inc., on the project, expressing confidence since similar jobs have been successfully completed in several other Caribbean nations.
On November 22, 2014, government formally signed a US$46.8 million contract with several contractors for varying aspects of the road project. The road network upgrade will see the rehabilitation of the 30.7 kilometre road from Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie, catering for widening, separation lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, traffic signs, replacement of the Groenveldt Bridge, relocation of utilities and other ancillary works.
The road works component will be done by BK Inc. and Surrey Paving and Aggregate Company Ltd over a 36- month period.
One component comprises a School Road Safety Awareness Programme to be undertaken by TRL Limited at a cost of £252,107.
Another component will be carried out by Geo Tech Vision Guyana Inc., at a cost of US$86,500 over a two- year period. This part will see road safety and drivers’ education sessions being given to residents of communities served by the network. (GINA)
KINGSTON - Guyana’s coast will experience an exceptional spring tide during the period March 17 through 24, based on published tide forecasts for 2015.
Notable high tides, in excess of 3.30m (referenced to chart datum) are expected to occur along the oceanic coast and tidal rivers during March 20 to 22, with the highest tide of 3.35m expected to occur on Saturday, March 21at 4:27am.
The augmentation of high tides during this period has been attributed to the coincided alignment of the earth, moon and sun during the March 21 Spring Equinox, resulting in increased gravitational pull. This phenomenon will coincide with a solar eclipse which will be visible in Europe, Northern and Eastern Asia and Northern and Western Africa.
The Ministry of Public Works – through it’s the Sea Defence Unit - has intensified its public notification, monitoring and flood prevention activities in preparation for possible occurrences of flooding due to overtopping or structural compromise of sea and river defences.
Previous occurrences of extreme spring tides, coupled with high energy waves and strong ocean currents have resulted in varying levels of flooding along Guyana’s coast due to overtopping of flood protection structures. Residents of vulnerable low lying coastal and riverain communities are therefore advised to be on the alert and take necessary precautions to prevent damage to property or personal injury in the event that flooding occurs.
The following coastal villages as particularly susceptible to possible flooding as a result of storm surges which may induce overtopping of sea/river defence structures: Johanna Cecelia, Cullen/Perseverance, Dunkeld, Westbury - Essequibo Coast; Zeelandia/Moor Farm, Marionville/Bendorff, Good Success/San Sousi, Melville/Sarah - Wakenaam Island; Cane Garden, Cane Field/Amsterdam, Blenheim/Endeavour - Leguan Island; Parika, Look Out/ Grove, Salem/Sparta, East Bank Essequibo; La Retraite - West Bank Demerara, Rotterdam/Crane, Anna Catherina to Leonora, West Coast Demerara; Along Water Street, Georgetown, Kingston, Georgetown to Ogle - East Coast Demerara, Mosquito Hall/Unity and along the Mahaica River Banks; No. 74 to 76 Villages, Bush Lot/Maida, Corentyne and along the Banks of the Berbice and Canje Rivers.
Persons residing in these areas should exercise a heightened level of vigilance.
KINGSTON - The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) will be establishing an office at Charity, Pomeroon by the end of the first quarter of this year. The office will facilitate boat owners and operators from the surrounding areas, and from Moruca.
A team from MARAD visited the area on March 3rd, 2015 and met with boat operators and other stakeholders in the area. Twenty one (21) boat operators attended the meeting, along with the Assistant Regional Executive Officer of Region One (1) Gerald Rodrigues.
This meeting is part of a sensitization and safety awareness campaign that included discussing issues relating to the licensing and registering of vessels, and the certification of captains. Several matters of concern were raised by the boat operators, in particular their desire to have timely access to the Department’s services.
Mr. Rodrigues urged the operators to get themselves and their vessels certified once the office is up and running.
During the visit a total of 48 children and adult life jackets were handed over to the District Education Officer of Region One (1), Ignatius Adams.
Mr. Adams thanked MARAD and promised to distribute the jackets to schools in the riverain areas so as to improve their safety while traversing the waterways.
MARAD will continue its safety campaign throughout the country and the distribution of life jackets in keeping with its mandate.
TIMEHRI - A superb all-round performance by the Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s XI was enough to topple Gafoor’s XI in the final of the Rovin Deokie Tapeball Cricket Tournament held at Nirmal Sand Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara on Saturday March 7, 2015.
CJIA XI won the toss and elected to bat and managed to compile 53 runs in their allotted six overs. Initially, spectators thought that the meagre score would not be enough. Nevertheless, a powerful first over by fast bowler Anil Somwaru and a second by spinner Sunil Sarjoo set the pace for a perfect defence.
The game was firmly in the CJIA XI’s grasp when two crucial wickets fell in the third over, as Somwaru’s display of outstanding bowling continued. A brilliant fourth over kept the pressure firmly on Gafoor’s XI.
At the end of the fourth over, Gafoor’s XI were 16 for two and needed another 38 runs to win from the last two overs. Again, the high-class overhand bowling did it for the CJIA XI.
At the end of the sixth over, Gafoor’s XI managed to scrape 30 for four. The man of the match was unanimously decided upon by the judicators as Anil Somwaru for his brilliant spell of bowling with figures of 3-6 off two overs.
Meanwhile, 14 teams participated in the Flood Light Cricket Competition which bowled off on Saturday morning and ended in the wee hours of Sunday. The teams came from as far as Diamond, East Bank Demerara.
Several awards were given out, including for the best bowler in the tournament – John (only name given) from Little Diamond, while the best batsman trophy went to Avenash Mohabir of the Hill Foot Cricket Team who scored a blistering 83 from 23 deliveries.
In the veteran match, the winning trophy was handed over to Lalo Ram of the Soesdyke Cricket Team while the best bowling trophy went to Kumar Lall and the best batsman award went to Michael Veersammy who scored 30 in that match.
KINGSTON - Many take for granted the engineering marvels that protect and enhance lives.
This was not so for Colin Gittens, a young enthusiastic boy who took his first school trip at the age of nine to Georgetown. One of the places he visited was the Georgetown Seawall, and this may have been the beginning of an incredible journey for him.
“There I was a boy from Linden wondering who built the long stretches of concrete walls and why and how these structures were built,” recalled Colin Gittens, a Monitoring Technician attached to the Sea and River Defence Unit, Ministry of Public Works (MPW).
Today he is on the path of becoming a Coastal Engineer.
“My passion for engineering and my aspiration to become a Coastal engineer is kindled by the fact that Guyana and the Global Village is presently at threat which is associated with climate change and sea level rise. Guyana’s coast line lies below sea leave hence constant monitoring and upgrade of Sea Defence infrastructure are critical. My studies in this field will make me better equipped with the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to mitigate the aforementioned,” he stated.
Over the years, Colin developed a passion for investigating and developing interventions to solve problems that arise. Although he appears to be shy and reserved, his analytical mind, humility and obvious desire to help persons in need helps him to form positive interactions with all persons he interacts with.
Colin knew that his zealousness alone will not help him on his career path and thus enrolled and completed a Diploma in Civil Engineering as a part time student at the Government Technical Institute.
The four years at GTI, Gittens said, gave him the foundation he needed to excel and gain entrance to the University of Guyana. Shortly after completing GTI, the young professional embarked on his Tertiary education. Over the years his dedication to his job, experience and excellent work ethics helped him to receive a full Government scholarship in 2013 to attend the University of Guyana.
This aspiring young Engineer has been working with the Ministry for the past seven years, two of which were spent in the Force Account Unit (FAU) as a Checker on road projects. “I know it seems a bit contrary. However, during that period I was able to understand construction and maintenance procedures and techniques of road construction and rehabilitation. It was a very good experience.”
He was soon to realize his journey had just begun.
“There was an opening in the Sea and River Defence Unit in 2010 and I immediately applied. I think what gave me the edge was that I was working there and I was also a student at the Government Technical Institute (GTI) pursing a diploma in Civil Engineering,” he disclosed.
Currently the 28 year-old's responsibilities include monitoring and overseeing Sea and River Defence projects along the coastal belt.
Now in his final semester to complete his Diploma in Civil Engineering, Gittens will read for his Degree at the same institution. After that, he is eyeing the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands to pursue his Masters.
Delft, he explained, is one of the top universities in the world to study, especially in his field of interest – Coastal Engineering. He added that “The Netherlands also has similar layouts like us, which will definitely be a plus for me.”
According to Gittens, Coastal Engineering is the study of the processes ongoing at the shoreline and construction within the coastal zone.
“The field involves aspects of near shore oceanography, marine geology, and civil engineering, often directed at combating erosion of coasts or providing navigational access,” he stated.
Working alongside experienced Engineers from the conceptualisation of a project to its completion gives the aspiring Coastal Engineer the assurance that his career path was the right choice.
“They toil in the sun and rain just to ensure that citizens are safe from the sea/rivers…in the office debating among themselves to find the best solutions. What is more impressive is that these guys are in their 20s and 30s,” Gitten disclosed.
One such project Gittens is proud of is the steel sheet revetment at Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
He recalled the problematic issue with the river defence in the community and the devastation its residents experienced.
“I saw homes inundated and valuable possessions damaged/lost. A lot of residents suffered.” Gittens continued, “Initially, the team [Engineers] built temporary structures which failed to curb the breaches. Despite the intense pressure, the guys came up with a brilliant engineering solution of the steel sheet revetment. Although it was physically and mentally exhausting, working on the project gave me a whole lot of hope because there I was on a task that greatly helped my country mates and made their lives more comfortable. Whenever, I pass Craig there is a sense of pride.”
And as in any field, guidance is a key ingredient.
The former Linden Foundation Secondary and McKenzie High school student credits The Honorable Robeson Benn, Minister of Public Works; Kevin Samad, Chief River and Sea Defence Officer; and Senior Engineers Jermaine Braithwaite and Maitland Stewart as his role models.
“I admire them. Mr. Samad has in-depth knowledge and experience in sea and river defences and a brilliant mind. Kevin and the guys are really innovative. They are a positive influence in my professional life,” Gittens stated.
The young professional is also appreciative of the support given to him by his wife Kezia Gittens. “She is my rock, and understands the long hours.”
“It’s a sacrifice. In the end though it will be worth it…sea defence is not something that should be taken nonchalantly. If there is a small flaw in the design or construction there can be catastrophe. You have to be very precise and experienced,” he added.
Reflecting on his budding career, the Monitoring Technician, admitted that whenever he is on the Seawall, the exhilaration he felt when he was nine creeps up.
TIMERHI - Beautiful young women in impressive costumes and live steel pan music greeted passengers at the country’s main port of entry – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport – this morning, January 20, 2015 as part of the airport’s pre-Mashramani activities.
The Caribbean Airlines initiative saw three young ladies handing out CAL’s brand items. Kinjaz Pan Ensemble, a seven piece steel ensemble,entertained passengers and airport users for more than three hours.
Over the next two days [February 21 and 22] passengers arriving on CAL during the morning period will be in for the treat.
Meanwhile, the management of CJIA has upped its ante on its Mashramani’s observations. Apart from decorating the terminal building’s exterior, management has used local designer, Maxi Williams, to showcase two of his creations in the Arrivals Hall.
Mashramaniis an annual festival that celebrates Guyana becoming a Republic in 1970. The festival, usually held on 23 February includes a parade, music, games and cooking and is intended to commemorate the "Birth of the Republic". The word "Mashramani" is derived from an Amerindian language and in translation means "the celebration after hard work". It is one of the most colourful of all the country's festivals.
This year’s theme is “One People, One Culture, One Celebration”.
KINGSTON - Guyana is currently experiencing spring tides with the highest levels predicted to occur today and tomorrow, February 20.
The Ministry of Public Works is therefore advising the general public to take all necessary precautions during this period.
The highest tides are expected at 4:36 pm today at a height of 3.36 metres and Friday, February 20 at 5:23pm - a height of 3.34 metres.
The following areas are susceptible to possible flooding as a result of storm surges which may induce overtopping of sea/river defence structures. These are:
i. Johanna Cecelia, Cullen/Perseverance - Essequibo Coast, along Pomeroon River banks
ii. Moor Farm, Marionville/Bendorff, Good Success/San Sousi, Melville/Sarah - Wakenaam Island
iii. Cane Field/ Amsterdam, Blenheim/Endeavour - Leguan Island
iv. La Retraite – W.B.D, Rotterdam/Crane, Anna Catherina to Leonora, W.C.D; Parika, Look Out/Grove, Salem/Sparta, E.B.E
v. Kitty, Georgetown to Ogle, E.C.D, Mosquito Hall and along the Mahaica River Banks – E.C.D; businesses and vendors along Water Street and Stabroek Market, Georgetown
vi. Bush Lot/Maida, No. 74 to 76 Villages; Corentyne and along the banks of the Berbice and Canje Rivers
Precaution should also be taken by all mariners including those operating fishing vessels and larger vessels.
Use of beaches and foreshore areas for recreational purposes during this period is not advised.
The spring tide alert is in effect until February 24, 2015.
