Dear Editor,
I live at Jonestown, Mahaica East Coast, Demerara. It is 1400hrs today Tuesday 27th October, 2009. I am sitting at my front door looking out and up comes a grader. It is grading Lima Dam which is a road running from east to west and is the main road in the village. I called the Overseer of the Mahaica N.D.C. and asked him if he was aware of repairs being done to the road and he answered in the affirmative. I then asked if he is in receipt of the Bill of Quantity which would give you the scope of the work to be done and he said no. He told me that he believes the work is being done by the Regional Democratic Council of Region No 4 and he promised to get a copy of the Bill of Quantity on Wednesday 28th Oct and to give the residents of the community a copy so that they can help to monitor the work being done.
Mr Editor the reason I write this letter is because I have been following stories in the newspapers concerning projects being carried out in several communities across the country and the need for citizens to monitor these projects. Mr Editor the road that is being repaired is badly in need of repairs and we welcome the works being done but it is not one that would last for a long time. We would like the Government to get serious when it comes to spending taxpayers’ money. It must be spent wisely and we must have proper accountability. I don’t think that is the case with this road because you can bet as soon as the rainy season comes this road will return to the state it was in before.
Yours faithfully,
Earle Lambert
Earle Lambert. Nice observation.The fact is that all of the roads in Guyana that were built, and are being built or re levelled,in areas below sea level,will always have a problem of deterrioration by water inundation in the rainy season.Nothing intended even as as a footpath for long term purposes,strewn with rocks, will last this yearly wet spell. Hence,it is not the roads. It is the LOCATION OF THE ROADS in Guyana.Similar problems many years ago were also encountered when the railway was in operation. Sleepers were constantly dislodged, bridges undermined, and railway lines were in constant need of repaires.The maintennance of roads and railway lines in areas below sea level is costly, and a never ending battle against the elements.Notably water settlement.Any settlement of water, whether on a roof,roadway, or embankment,will eventually undermine the areas below,leaving the surface of what was once road and roof in tatters. The authorities should make citizens aware of the many ramifications of living in areas below sea level, so residents will know what calamities to expect.
Thank you kindly Mr Lambert. We need more people like you willing and vocal in the community about issues that matter to the people. Congrats,blessings and keep it up.