Ministry neglecting major road problems in Berbice

Dear Editor,

The mission statement of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MOPI) that is posted on the ministry’s website is “To plan, build and maintain a reliable, safe, efficient and cost-effective Main Road Network and Sea and River Defense system to protect life and property; support the movement of people, goods and services; reduce the cost of transportation; promote economic growth and quality of life and protect the environment.” Unfortunately this mission statement is nothing but a misleading message to distract persons who don’t knows the reality of the MOPI. 

Numerous issues are being raised at the Regional Democratic Council, and despite communicating to the Minister of MOPI all the issues remain unattended.

1. The Main Road throughout Black Bush Polder i.e. from Lesbeholden to Yakusari is in a deplorable state, there is no maintenance of this road by the MOPI and as such it is impossible for farmers to move their produce to their desired market locations. The movement of people is restricted whilst there’s an increase  in transportation cost. 

2. The Corentyne Highway from Adventure Village to Crabwood Creek needs immediate maintenance, the potholes are causing fatal accidents. 

3.The East and West Canje public roads also need immediate attention. For about three years now there has been a sinkhole at the New Forest village main road but despite numerous complaints nothing has been done to fix it. 

3.The MOPI is spending millions to paint the Canje Bridge but refuses to address the issue of the spaces that are being created on the Bridge, commuters  are feeling the burden since vehicle tyres are being damaged because of the spaces that are on the Bridge. 

4. The maintenance of street lights in Berbice is of great concern since crime is on the rise. Nothing is being done to address this issue. 

Yours faithfully,

Zamal Hussain