Vreed-en-Hoop traffic lights activated

The traffic lights at the Vreed-en-Hoop Junction, West Coast Demerara were finally activated yesterday after being installed earlier this year.

The traffic lights were installed in January this year but were not activated until yesterday though they were periodically tested and would work for a while and then stop.

After numerous calls to the Ministry of Public Works this newspaper was told that no one was available who could comment on the project.

However, Stabroek News learnt that the project falls under the Four-lane Highway Project and the contract for the installation of the lights at the Vreed-en-Hoop junction was awarded to Seereeram Brothers, who sub-contracted Cummings Electrical. This newspaper was informed that the contractor will be responsible for the upkeep of the traffic lights for one year after which it becomes the responsibility of the government.

Previously, during the rush hour there would often be chaos at that particular junction which would only let up when police officers sometimes put in an appearance. Yesterday, traffic flow was orderly though a few eager motorists disregarded the traffic lights and drove on anyway.

However, an officer was on hand and was overheard cautioning the errant motorists and warning them to obey the signals.