Despite the inclement weather, the approach road to the Berbice River Bridge is moving apace and officials are confident that the asphalt surface would be completed by the September deadline.

When Stabroek News visited the sites at Crab Island and D’Edward Village yesterday, the project – which is being undertaken by Dipcon Construction Firm – was in full swing with the laying of white sand. Similar work was being undertaken at Palmyra but officials said “during the rainy weather the reef sand had caused the area to be saturated.”

Superintendent of works Davendra Ramnarace said they have not been able to do much work for the past month, except for receiving and distributing the sand. He said “500 to 600 cubic yards of the first layer of sand has been spread on top of the reef sand at the D’Edward end and we have already reached 40% of the material for the sub-base.”

According to Ramnarace three layers of other materials have to be added before the asphalt is applied. He said over at Crab Island sand is being piled from barges onto the conveyor belt that had been specially installed to accommodate the material.

Currently workers are installing wick drains and geo-textiles and have so far completed 50% of that task.

Thick vegetation at Crab Island had to be cleared manually for the construction of the road to begin while over 30 homes had to be removed over at Unity Street, D’ Edward Village to accommodate the approach road. Government had provided house-lots at Number 2 Village for the relocation.

Also, persons living on the opposite side of the street have had to start using an access street behind their homes. However, they decried what they referred to as the contractor’s shoddy work as during the rainy season it was almost impassable.