Construction works on Cemetery Road, North of Princes Street and South of Mandela Avenue, bordering two Constituencies commenced in November 2022 and had a completion date of July 19, 2023. It was awarded to, “Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc.,” for the sum of $476M.
On Monday, March 4, 2024, the works were moving slothfully, putting road users further at risk, distress and discomfort.
The Western carriageway from Princess to Sussex Streets have asphalted (partially). Chain link fencing on both sides of the carriage way incomplete. The median between Princess and Sussex Streets incomplete.
The Walkways on both corridors between Front Road and Mandela Avenue were incomplete. The main access bridge at the head of Princes Street and Cemetery Road, incomplete.
When questions were put to Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works on July 19, 2023, regarding the delays in the project, in the National Assembly, Edghill cited superstitions and weather for delay in Cemetery Road Work.
According to a headline carried by Guyana Chronicle, December 30, 2023, “January 31 deadline given for completion of Cemetery Road, Conversation Tree works.”
Minister Deodat Indar visited the Western Carriageway, between Front Road and Mandela Avenue. There, residents complained of the many challenges they faced daily, without the intervention of the contractor and those in authority.
One resident shared in the presence of Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson and Mr. Indar, spoke about the injuries his wife suffered, due to a fall. He also spoke of the poor reflector lamps at nights and inadequate construction signs, to guide and indicate where danger lies.
In the presence of the residents, MP Ferguson enquired from Mr. Indar when the project will complete, since it is way behind completion date. His response, “By February month end.” Well, both January and February have ended and the project is still ongoing.
In his budget presentation, Edghill reported, to the Committee of Supply, “Cemetery Road Expansion Project to complete by March end.”
Whether the Contractor has the capacity to do a project of this magnitude is a question that should be asked. Further investigation revealed that this construction company is involved in other projects, among them Schoonord Road expansion, and building of stations.
Edghill is now talking about revoking the contract if the works on Cemetery Road are not completed by month end.
