| Despite significant setbacks, ongoing road widening works on the East Bank of Demerara, particularly at Diamond, are now moving much quicker than expected, with the contractor transforming a significant section to cement-stabilized surface, with the next move being to apply the required asphalt.DDL “high bridge” to be reconstructed to facilitate road widening.This is according to Geoffrey Vaughn, Coordinator of Works Services Group, Public Works Ministry.During a recent interview with this publication, Vaughn said nobody expected that the contractor, BK International, responsible for Lot Three of the East Bank Demerara Public Road four-lane expansion would have been able to complete such a significant amount of work, despite the fact that the project was unavoidably delayed.Physical works under the project started in January 2012. After carrying out excavation works and placement of sand creating the outline of the additional lanes, the project stalled. With the relocation of utilities on the eastern lane, in March 2013, the contractor was able to resume construction.According to Vaughn, although all utilities have not been relocated to the western side of the carriageway, the contractor is installing concrete drains and has widened a section. He said BK International is yet to reconstruct the “high bridge” at Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).Vaughn said the contractor was unable to move ahead with this aspect of the project because of design changes to the bridge and the presence of pipelines. In addition, the contractor is working on traffic diversion to accommodate commuters when construction works begin on the structure.Also in this section, the junction by the entrance of the Diamond Housing Scheme would have to be modified.In Lot Two, from Prospect to DDL “high bridge”, the contractor, GEICO Construction Company, has converted the canefields into roadway with cement stabilization surface. The roadway will be paved shortly.According to Vaughn,cheap jerseys from china, the contractor has commenced excavation works on the western side. However, upgrades to the existing western carriageway will not commence until the new eastern lane is completed.In Lot One, from Providence to Prospect, excavation and sand filling works are ongoing. However, the presence of utilities is somewhat hindering the progress of the works that are being carried out by Dipcon Engineering Services. In addition, Providence Police Station fence has been shifted backwards.In Lots One and Two, trenches used to store water along the corridor have been filled to construct the two additional lanes. Concrete structures are being installed to drain water, and not for storage, says a source close to the Ministry.The source believes there is a possibility neighbouring properties could be flooded by excess waters caused by heavy rainfall because of no storage capacity.Construction in all three Lots is expected to conclude in the first quarter next year. |
