KINGSTON - The Ministry of Public Works views with great concern, the alarming rate at which Traffic and Highway Lights Components are stolen.
Components removed from Traffic and Highway Lightsare varied, that is, Highway Lights: Cobra Head Lamps, Distribution Cables (Triplex Wire), 25 kVA Pole Mounted Transformer. Traffic Lights: S24 Traffic Controllers, Energy (kWh) Meters, Batteries etc.
The above mentioned components stolen are expensive and most times not readily accessible. This results in unnecessary down time, thus putting at risk both drivers and pedestrians.
Further, replacement of these components inhibits the full utilization of the annual maintenance budget for essential works intended.
The Ministry has made a concerted effort to improve lighting in areas considered to be highly unsafe and vulnerable to accidents, especially where there were dark spots. As a consequence, the Ministry continues to urge for the care and protection against vandalism of the lighting systems once activated.
Persons are asked to report any suspicious activity in and around the Traffic and Highway Lights especially within proximity of your immediate neighborhood. Further, individuals are advised to record the license plate number and any advertisement associated with vehicles, including the Ministry.
It should be in every one’s interest to keep your lights functional.
The areas listed below where Traffic and Highway Lights Components were stolen:
Highway Lights
Region 4 – Embankment & Cummings Lodge: Lamps; 1-25kVA Pole Mounted Transformer ( New transformer was chained to structure).
Georgetown, Kitty Public Road: 1 Lamp (In vicinity of Pere St.)
Georgetown, Clive Lloyd Drive: 3 Lamps
East Coast Demerara, Mahaicony: 1 Pole Span Triplex Wire
East Bank Demerara – Land of Cannon: 8 Pole Spans Triplex Wire
Region 5 – West Coast Berbice: 2 Pole spans Triplex Wire
Region 3 - West Coast Demerara - Neuverflanders: 1 Pole Span Triplex Wire
West Bank Demerara - V/Hoop: 1 Pole Span Triplex Wire
Region 10 -Linden - Mackenzie/Amelia Ward: 8 Pole spans Triplex Wire
N.B: It seems customary following an accident where persons assume the liberty to remove system components including spans of Triplex Wire and other Line Hardware.
Traffic Lights
Robb & Camp Streets: S-24 Traffic Controller, Signal Wires, Power Meter
Sheriff & David Streets: Power Meter
KINGSTON - The Amerindians are the most at risk group in Guyana and the ruling party is committed, despite all odds, to improve their livelihood and living standards.
Robeson Benn, Minister of Public Works, made this pledge during his Republic Address on Sunday, February 22 at the Kumaka Recreational Ground, Region One (Barima-Waini).
“We recognize that our Amerindian people throughout the country need to access and benefit from all aspects of the social, economic and developmental spheres irrespective of where they are living,” Minister Benn told residents. “The party I represent has been making great efforts to improve their livelihood and living standard.”
Stunted growth, Minister Benn added, is one that personally affects him.
He admitted to the large crowd that the combined Opposition refusal to approve funds for hinterland airstrips maintenance was a thoughtless act which has denied many Amerindians their basic rights. In 2014, GY $248M was allocated for rehabilitation of airstrips in Matthews Ridge, Imbaimadai and Kamarang and the maintenance of 43 airstrips in Regions 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9.
The Minister, who is responsible for the transport sector, emphasized that the airstrips are critical for the movement of goods and services “in and out of these communities.”
The failed Amalia Falls Hydropower project was also addressed by the Minister.
“Amalia was so important for our country. The light bill for all of us would be reduced, and particularly we would have savings for renewable sustaining energy project. That way, we can make the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) facilities available to communities that have inadequate power supply,” he disclosed.
There were a number of missed opportunities to attract new investments, the Public Works Minister further stated, as a result of not having cheap, renewable energy.
Improved road network
Approximately, GY$70M has been set aside this year to improve the road networks in Moruca sub-region, Minister Benn announced.
“13.5 kilometers of new roads were developed in the area; however, some of them are not up to standard. We have to make a change. I have instructed my Engineer so that we make that change quickly,” Hon. Benn stated.
Lamenting that General Election is less than three months away; Hon. Benn called for unity and peace. He also opined that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has the best talented, most committed, best leaders to move Guyana forward.
TIMEHRI - A Guyanese and a Guyanese born Canadian citizen are currently in police custody after they were caught attempting to smuggle cocaine through Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) early this morning, January 30, 2015.
A man, who identified himself as Kenneth Jones, presented forged documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Airport Duty Office (ADO) indicating he was carrying out protocol duties for two individuals -Mahendra Ramsuchit and Rohbina Basdeoram.
The two individuals, according to Jones, were relatives of a Government official.
However, thorough security checks revealed the trio to be impostors.
Ramsuchit and Ms. Basdeoram, a Canadian citizen, both 29, were expected to depart CJIA for Toronto on Fly Jamaica flight OJ 157.
Powdery substance was confirmed as cocaine concealed in the duo’s carry-on luggage.
The weight of the substance is estimated to be some 20 pounds has yet to be confirmed by drug analysts.
CJIA is also carrying out an investigation into the incident.
Jones is yet to be apprehended.
KINGSTON - Roland Eudoxie, a Guyanese Sensei in Martial Arts, on January 28 paid a courtesy call to Hon. Robeson Benn, Minister of Public Works to convey his appreciation for the financial support afforded to him by the Ministry to participate in an international championship.
From January 23-25, Eudoxie, 31, participated in the Action Martial Arts Championship in New Jersey, USA where he secured first place in Stick Fighting and third position in Board Breaking.
He was also inducted into the Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honour receiving outstanding dedication to the Arts.
The Sensei in an invited comment said, “I am pleased that the Ministry assisted me in pursuing my passion. I want to wholeheartedly say thanks to the Minister and his staff.”
Eudoxie has been involved in the sport for 17 years, and will be launchingTang Soo Do International Guyana - a martial arts organization - on February 9 at the National Gymnasium.
KINGSTON - About seventy percent of the repair works at the Parika Stelling, Essequibo River have been completed.
The Government of Guyana has expended some thirty six million dollars ($36,000,000.00) on this project as part of its allocation to the Transport & Harbours Department (T&HD).
According to the General Manager of T&HD Marclene Merchant, cluster piles and fenders were installed at the waterside front to prevent ships from making contact with the stelling. Additionally, maintenance works were conducted on the main carriageway at the entrance, including the painting and the replacing of beams and deck planks.
Throughout the duration of this project, access to the stelling by passengers, vehicles, speedboats along with Department’s Ferry vessels continued. This was very challenging, nevertheless the Department is pleased that the works have been progressing at a fast pace and is expected to be completed in another two weeks’ time.
The project commenced in November 2014.
KINGSTON - Public Works Minister Robeson Benn said A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and its Executive member Joseph Harmon are very much aware of government’s plans to renovate the speedboat landing at the Georgetown Stabroek Market and has labeled the party’s recent public comments as baseless.
The works minister was at the time responding to criticisms made by Harmon about Government’s alleged failure to address the needs of the Guyanese people.
Harmon, on Tuesday had taken members of the media to the Stabroek Market Landing, where, in the presence of commuters and passersby he condemned government for the “deteriorating” state of the wharf which sees close to 5000 users daily.
But speaking to Guyana Times recently, Benn said that the APNU is quite aware of the circumstances preventing the upgrade.
“Mr. Harmon has general knowledge that we have been preparing to have these floating ramps. The question is with the time and tide to put it down”, Benn told Guyana Times. He said that the ministry was working on acquiring a machine from the Drainage and Irrigation Authority (D&I).
The most recent attempt was interrupted by a flood in Essequibo, when the equipment had to be quickly sent to the region to assist there. Based on information from engineers, Benn said the rehabilitative work will have to be done during the day. (Guyana Times)
KINGSTON - Sixty pedestrians died on the country’s roadways in 2014 – a significant increase compared to 2013 where 39 individuals lost their lives.
Further, over 135 fatal traffic accidents occurred last year, which resulted in the deaths of 146 persons. 2013 recorded 112 deaths.
These statistics were revealed by Geoffrey Vaugh, Coordinator of Works Services Group, a unit within the Ministry of Public Works, during a press conference on January 16, 2015. WSG has a Maintenance/Traffic/Safety Division.
“Those numbers generated a 23.7 percent increase in fatal accidents and a 23.3 percent increase in fatalities when compared with 2013. Additionally, there was a 37.5 percent increase in the number of children killed on the roadways for 2014 when compared with 2013,” Mr. Vaughn told reporters.
Meanwhile, 26 motor cyclists; 23 passengers; 20 pedal cyclists; 16 drivers and one pillion rider lost their lives in 2014. Twenty four of these accidents occurred along the East Coast Demerara corridor followed closely by the East Bank of Demerara with 21.
Below is a breakdown of fatal accidents by divisions:
Division
Accidents
16
7
2
14
13
8
4
During the observance of National Road Safety Month in November 2014, Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn had stated that most of the fatalities involved young men between ages 18-35.
He stressed that Guyanese need to adapt the culture of safety on the roadways because “the country needs its young population for continued development.”
KINGSTON - Three sets of increasing figures characterised activities for 2014 at the Guyana Transport and Harbours Department: total number of passengers transported in 2014 increased by 10 percent against 2013; the number of vehicles transported in 2014 rose by seven percent; and the tons of cargo jumped by 16 percent.
This saw passengers increase by 31,508; vehicles by 3,586; and cargo by 19,707.
The department received an overall subsidy of $400M from the Ministry of Finance, and this assisted with the payment for fuel, to the tune of $33.3M per month. However, the total expenditure for fuel and lubricant stood at $46M monthly. Therefore the shortfall for this sub-sector was $13M and this had to be funded by the department’s current revenue and also with assistance from the Maritime Administration Department.
The average fuel consumption per week is 14,188 gallons, with a total cost of $11.5M; the average monthly fuel consumption is therefore 56,752 gallons with a corresponding expenditure of $46M.
During the year 2014, the total capital allotment to the T&HD was $483.0M. This amount catered for the dry-docking of three vessels, acquisition of spares, and the rehabilitation of a few stellings
The T&HD has a fleet of eight vessels inclusive of two motor barges.
The M.V. Malali which plies the Parika/Supenaam/Wakenaam route was allotted $120 M. The vessel was docked for repairs at the E.C. Vieira Dockyard, for the period September 1 to October 9, 2014 and after repairs, it ran a cost of $118M. Extensive works were carried out to the hull, superstructure, underwater fittings and machinery/equipment.
The ferries, M.V. Kanawan and M.V. Sabanto were allotted $50M. These two vessels, which ply the Parika/Supenaam route, are scheduled to be docked in 2015 to the tune of $25M each.
Critical areas to be addressed include the hull (where anodes would be installed), doors to be serviced, and underwater fittings to be checked and serviced. These vessels will also be docked at E.C. Vieira Dockyard.
Meanwhile, the M.V. Barima, which was slated to be docked in 2013, was brought in only in the year 2014 and at a cost of over $100M. Due to the deplorable dock gate at Mazaruni, the docking could not have materialised in 2013. The gate has been rehabilitated and the vessel is currently ongoing dry-docking there. Upon completion of the docking exercise, the M.V Barima is slated to replace the M.V. Lady Northcote, on the Georgetown North West district service. This will take effect by the first quarter of 2015, since there are additional works that need to be done.
Further, The M.V. Makouria underwent dry-docking at the E.C.Vieira Dockyard, during the period February 20 to March 21, 2014, at a cost of $135M. Works were carried out on the hull and underwater fittings, superstructure, machinery and equipment.
In addition, a total of $15M was allotted for the construction of a bond to store spares for the vessels and ships. The spares are at present being stored in two 20-foot containers but they usually pose difficulties, when trying to retrieve parts/components.
Rehabilitation works were done on stellings, to ensure a better quality of transportation and safety of the populace.
Additionally, $62M was allocated for the rehabilitation of the Parika, Leguan, Wakenaam and Supenaam Stellings. Rehabilitation works are ongoing at Parika Stelling, at a total cost of $31.6M. These include repairs to the fender/mooring system, cluster piles, and changing of dilapidated deckings and beams.
Works to the tune of $10 M were executed at the Leguan Stelling, where fender/mooring systems were implemented, and replacing of dilapidated decking, beams and piles.
Meanwhile, $6 M was spent on the Wakenaam Stelling, where the fender/mooring system was installed, the changing of decking and beams were done, and the passenger accommodation issue was addressed.
Repairs at the Supenaam Stellings have been completed. Works were done on the mooring system and catwalk at the roll on/roll off facility, the fender/mooring system for the side loading, and rails along the driveway. These works were done at a cost of $10M.
The T&HD encountered several challenges in 2014; however, there have been several projections for 2015 to address these issues. These include the acquisition of spares for vessels and ships, general rehabilitation of the goods wharf, construction of a passengers’ accommodation at the Parika Stelling, rehabilitation of the central workshop, construction of living quarters at Supenaam, and restoring the Berbice River Service.
KINGSTON - The Maritime Administration Department, (MARAD) recorded 23 marine fatalities in 2014; the department recorded 43 river deaths the previous year. MARAD released this information as part of its yearend report on January 16.
MARAD noted that the deaths were as a result of boat accidents, incidents and piracy attacks on the high seas. According to the breakdown provided by the Department, eight boat accidents resulted in four deaths, 16 incidents resulted in 12 deaths and four incidents involving pirates amounted to nine marine deaths, last year.
In 2013, 17 persons died as result of boat accidents, 20 as a result of boat incidents and six as a result of piracy.
MARAD said that Preliminary investigation into the marine mishaps revealed that most accidents were caused by unlicenced boats and operators. In this regard, MARAD examined and issued 26 certificates to boat operators operating in areas beyond Bartica as well as 21 licences to bowmen operating in Annai. Several vessels were also inspected in those areas.
Last year, the department issued a number of licences and certificates for the various categories of vessels; 73 licenses were granted to fishing vessels, 58 issued for Cargo vessels, 234 licenses/certificates issued to passenger vessels, 73 certificates issued to persons owning pleasure vessels (used for personal, family, and sportsmanlike recreation) while 37 licenses were granted to vessel transporting passengers as well as cargo.
The Department also emphasized that there was continuous training of Maritime personnel in 2014; Cadets officers have since completed the Boatmaster Grade III Exams which is the first phase of their exams. The Cadets are currently engaged in the Mate’s training which represents the second phase of the programme. This training is expected to be completed by April 2015.
In addition, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in collaboration with MARAD held three training programmes for Port facility officers and issued certificates at its completion. In an effort to promote safety, MARAD also distributed 1,008 life jackets to passengers and boat operators traversing the riverain areas in all ten regions of the country.
MARAD officials also conducted sensitisation and promoted safety awareness session to several schools during the course of last year. Signs with safety tips were also placed at the various Stellings. In an effort to reduce the congestion along the East Bank Demerara carriageway and the crossing of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Georgetown/Vreed-en-Hoop night operation was introduced. The service was introduced in 2013.To date more than 175,000 persons have utilized the service. The department announced that three buoys were placed in the Essequibo River in the vicinity of Chalmers and Sting Ray Crossings.
This year, MARAD has committed to continue sensitizing school children and the public about the importance of wearing life jackets and for boats to use horns, whistles and sound signalling apparatus while operating on the water ways.
Last year, boat owners are required to submit photographs of their vessels for the purpose of registration and licensing. This new requirement is designed to enhance the safety standards within MARAD.
With effect from January 1, 2015, vessels operating in Guyana will be required to be fitted with a whistle or any other sound signalling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts. Vessels are also required to be fitted with navigational lights and shall be exhibited from sunset to sunrise and from sunrise to sunset during conditions of restricted visibility.
The department will also continue dredging of the main ships channel and other facilities within the Harbours of Georgetown. The mouth of the Cuyuni River Zone was surveyed by the Hydrographic surveyors for the mining Company Sandspring Inc. Acquire a modern portable Echo Sounder for the Hydrographic Section.
Among the projections for this year is also docking of vessels operating under the department; the M. L Thompson and M.L Kakabelli; both vessels are scheduled for repairs.
KINGSTON - The Work Services Group (WSG) in 2014 carried out road rehabilitation and maintenance to over 757 kilometres (km) of roads in three hinterland regions. Ninety (90) km was done in Region One, 10km in Region Seven, and 657.6km in Region Nine.
This is according to Geoffrey Vaughn, Coordinator WSG, who explained that the sum of $883.1M was expended on hinterland roads in 2014.
According to information provided by Vaughn, completed projects for 2014 include pothole matching (surfacing with DBST) to the Mabaruma Road, Region One to the tune of $15M.
The Bartica-Potaro road, Region Seven, completed on November 15, 2014 saw interventions to the cost of $77. 34M out of a contract cost of $89. 9M. Works on the road, carried out by the Force Action Unit, Ministry of Public Works included the squaring of potholes, infilling with crusher run, overlaying with asphalt and placing and compacting sections of roadways.
Also in Region Seven, the Ekereku Bottom Airstrip was completed. The airstrip benefitted from a supply of tar, the supply of material for Double Bituminous Surface Treatment (DBST). Kares Engineering completed the works to the tune of $24.3M.
From September 1, 2014, the Siparuni Junction to Kurupukari Miles 86 to 135 also benefited from four months of intervention, including dewatering of holes and excavating of soft spots, grade shape and compact surface, placement and compacting of laterite and clearing of over growth. Mekdeci Machinery and Construction (MMC) Inc. completed the work at the cost of $46. 8M.
Also completed in Region Nine, road maintenance was done on Miles 135-276 Kurupukari to Tabatinga, maintenance from Lethem to Katina, from Parishara, Nappi to Haiwah, the road from Aishalton to Kraudar and the Massara road. Work on the latter was carried out by MMC Inc.
Out of a contract total of $39.9M; the sum of $11.9M was expended. The road benefitted from grade shaping and compact surfacing, and compact laterite, drains’ excavation and grubbing of critical sections of the roadway and the installation of culverts.
Projects on which there has been significant progress, but have rolled over to 2015 include the Manicuero Junction to Pakera, Matthews Ridge, Region One and the Ituni-Kwakwani road, Region Ten. Work on the latter is 70 percent completed. Works on this road also cater for grade shaping and compact surfacing, and compact laterite, excavating of drains, grubbing of critical sections of the roadway and installation of culverts.
