The Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCCI) and other commerce groups in East Berbice say they expect the area to attract more investors, with the installation of street lights along sections of the Corentyne Highway.
The UCCCI, Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association said they have already noticed a reduction in the number of vehicular accidents at night and greater use of the road at nights for fitness and leisure activities.
In a press release the groups said they envisage a number of other benefits from the installation of the lights including a modernisation of the “face of East Berbice” attracting and boosting investor confidence; an enhanced sense of security which will deter crime in the area; a reduction in the number of road fatalities and accidents stemming from stray animals on the roadway at night and a greater number of activities and night-based entertainment and services. The groups also say the new lights on the highway may also make it possible for employers/employees to extend their working hours at night; allow students to attend evening classes and allow greater participation in after-work, community-based activities involving NGO groups that will benefit the entire community.
The groups also say they would like to see the lights remain fully functional at the end of the project and added to the maintenance contracts that exist in other parts of the country.
