La Grange residents say damage to repaired road being ignored

Residents of Palmer Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara have voiced concern over the damage being done by a private business that is utilising heavy-duty trucks on a street that was repaired last year.

The business is currently removing topsoil at the end of the street and retailing it.

In doing so, it has utilised heavy-duty trucks that have damaged the street and residents say authorities do not seem to be heeding their complaints.

A section of the street from which dirt was excavated by the private company. In the background, heavy machinery is seen carrying out operations.
A section of the street from which dirt was excavated by the private company. In the background, heavy machinery is seen carrying out operations.
A section of Palmer Street lined with potholes.
A section of Palmer Street lined with potholes.

Residents, who did not want to be named, told Stabroek News that they have made reports at the La Grange/Bagotville Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) but nothing was done.

A worker, however, explained that they were granted permission from the NDC to conduct operations. The company has been excavating the dirt from the end of the street and a large section has already been cleared.

A concerned resident said the operation would go late into the nights and residents suffer dust pollution. “When the big trucks pass through, is bare dust flying all over,” the resident related.

Another resident said that not only are they affected by the dust but they are also affected by the potholes along the street that have been caused by the trucks used for the operation.

During a visit, this newspaper observed that the street was indeed filled with potholes and some residents have used unwanted construction materials to fill them.

Residents have stated that they have not seen any regional or ministry official carrying out any visit to the worksite.

It was also highlighted by the residents that whenever it rains, the condition of the access road worsens. “If children going to school or you going out, by time you reach to the main road, your shoe already wet because of all the potholes,” a female resident said.

When Stabroek News contacted the NDC for a comment, the overseer said she is not permitted to provide any information to the press. When asked where the Chairman is and if he would be in the office for the day, the overseer said “he was here yesterday (Wednesday).”