Georgetown, Guyana – The Government of Guyana has warned contractors involved in Georgetown’s hard-shoulder improvement programme to maintain proper construction standards and avoid practices that cause unnecessary inconvenience to residents.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, issued the warning on Thursday during a meeting with contractors at the Umana Yana, highlighting concerns about poor workmanship and the need for responsible project execution.
Minister Highlights Construction Concerns
During the meeting, Minister Edghill raised several issues, including improper excavation, the dumping of construction materials on roadways, damage to existing roads, broken water pipes and the removal of trees.
He emphasised that the programme is intended to improve the quality of life in Georgetown’s communities and must deliver lasting benefits rather than create additional difficulties for residents.
The minister reminded contractors that they are important partners in the Government’s development agenda and must carry out their responsibilities in accordance with established standards.
Hard-Shoulder Programme to Improve Drainage and Parking
The programme involves replacing existing earth shoulders with specially constructed hard shoulders using layers of sand, sifting and crusher run.
According to Minister Edghill, the design will allow rainwater to penetrate the ground, improve drainage conditions and create additional parking space while maintaining two-way traffic flow.
He noted that Georgetown’s elevated road shoulders often prevent water from draining properly from roadways, contributing to flooding and deterioration of the road network.
Contractors Told to Follow Engineering Standards
Minister Edghill urged contractors to strictly follow engineering specifications and maintain close coordination with supervising engineers and technical personnel.
He also instructed them to introduce themselves to residents before beginning work and ensure that excavated sections are filled promptly to minimise disruption to the public.
The minister made it clear that contractors who repeatedly disregard required standards or inconvenience residents could face termination of their contracts.
Existing Bridges to Remain Unaffected in Current Phase
Meanwhile, Minister Edghill assured residents that existing bridges would not be demolished during the current phase of the programme. He explained that bridge-related improvements would be handled separately to ensure proper water flow and continued access.
He encouraged contractors and all stakeholders to take pride in their work and ensure that the initiative achieves its intended improvements for Georgetown.