The Lamaha Street expansion project aimed at enhancing connections between Vlissengen Road and Middleton Street in Georgetown, is facing setbacks due to delayed infrastructural works.
According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, revealed that unresolved issues between the contractor and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) are the primary cause of the stalled works.
Despite these challenges, Edghill has assured that prompt actions are being taken to expedite the project.
He said that an unsuccessful attempt was made to install new GWI pipes but this was hindered by excessive water accumulation.
“We cut the road on Saturday to get the new GWI pipes in but we could not get the works done because it was too much water. We will continue that on Monday with a drill to get this project wrapped up as fast as possible,” Edghill told DPI in an interview on Tuesday.
Acknowledging the inconvenience residents and road users faced, Edghill instructed the contractor to expedite corrective measures, prioritising the swift completion of the project.
Moreover, the minister said that an inspection exercise was conducted with key stakeholders, including the contractor, GWI, its subcontractor, and ministry engineers, to devise a comprehensive work plan to overcome existing hurdles. The expansion project was divided into two phases and is being undertaken by Devcon Inc. and Sawa Investment Inc., with contracts valued at $306.6 million and $192 million respectively, DPI said.
The project began on November 21, 2022. The scope of work includes the removal of existing asphaltic surfaces, road reconstruction, widening of roadways, and constructing reinforced concrete retaining walls and drains, alongside rigid paved shoulders.
