President upbraids contractor, consultant over East Bank road works

Amid severe delays for persons travelling to CJIA, President Irfaan Ali met today with the contractor, China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC); the consultant, Sheladia Associates Inc.; engineers; and a traffic management team working on the rehabilitation and expansion of the East Bank Public Road.

Stabroek News was told that the President read the riot act to the contractor and consultant regarding the pace of the project and the manner in which traffic arrangements are complied with. He also highlighted to the police the disregard for traffic rules and road safety, especially by trucks.

As a result, the contractor and consultant will submit a revised work plan within 24 hours. Additionally, a number of measures were agreed upon, including the setting up of an integrated control room and the implementation of a traffic management drone system. The establishment of an early warning system and an emergency transport plan in collaboration with Coast Guard and the Marine section of the Guyana Police Force to help persons heading to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in cases of unforeseen circumstances will also be set up to help manage traffic and the work flow.

Meanwhile, theypublic has been notified by the police force that road works are still ongoing along the East Bank Demerara corridor between Supply and Soesdyke. As such outgoing passengers via the CJIA are advised to factor delays into their planning to get to the airport on time for check-in, the police said in a statement.

“Motorists are reminded that their actions must not lead to obstruction or delays; practice the 5 C’s of defensive driving and support safe progression of traffic. Report errant drivers who are not compliant, do not follow them”, the police said.