Minister of Local Govern-ment and Regional Develop-ment Ganga Persaud is urging operators of trucks that traverse the East Bank Berbice (EBB) road to adhere to the set weights for such vehicles in order to reduce damage to the road.
According to a Govern-ment Information Agency (GINA) press release, Persaud and a team visited several EBB communities and observed that the roads where heavy-duty trucks traverse are badly damaged. Much of the damage to the road is caused by double-axle trucks that are operated by private and corporate entities in the area, the cement packaging facility and trucks delivering materials to the developing Glasgow Housing scheme.
Last month, residents blocked the road at Glasgow in frustration over itscondition, until they were given assurances that a new road would be constructed. Regional Chairman David Armogan confirmed that a new road would be constructed after the budget is approved.
“…Unless we have responsible usage of the road by the corporate entities that use the road network, we would not be able to achieve much in terms of maintaining a proper road service to benefit the East Bank Berbice area,” Persaud was quoted by GINA as saying. In this regard, he called on operators to exercise care and monitor the weight of the trucks using the road. Some sections of the road network can be corrected; however, extensive work would have to be carried out on sections closer to the Berbice River, where the damage is said to have left the road feeling “spongy”, according to residents.
The minister committed to collaborating with the related agencies to ensure that the issue is addressed. In the meantime, he thanked those corporate entities that have tried to enhance the surface of the road.
Regarding the bridges at Sisters’ and Kortberaadt and the desilting of the main drainage system, Persaud said he would work with the regional administration to address the issues.
