Acknowledging concerns about the bumpiness of the Heroes Highway, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has revealed that the government will be executing an asphaltic overlay of the roadway.
He noted that this decision was made months ago.
“Many times people have asked me about the bumpy nature of the Heroes Highway and I too have been critical of this and we made it clear months ago that there would be an asphaltic overlay on this road,” he told reporters during his press conference on Thursday.
“It’s not an unfair criticism that the road in some places is bumpy,” the Vice President added.
In 2021, the Ministry of Housing and Water had awarded contracts to the tune of $13.3 billion in 12 lots for the construction of the alternative four-lane highway between Eccles and Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara. This stretch of road was subsequently renamed the Heroes Highway. It connects with the four-lane highway from Eccles to Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.
During his press conference, Jagdeo reflected on how this new road network, constructed under the Irfaan Ali – led administration in under five years, has significantly benefitted commuters of the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).
“Just imagine us not having (this roadway),” he expressed, as he criticised the opposition for nitpicking at minor faults with this and other major development projects across the country.
He reiterated that majority of the projects being executed are properly done, but yet, naysayers only focus on the small percentage that was not done to perfection.
Jagdeo explained that the government does not accept these shortcomings however such imperfection is expected with the scale of transformation currently being undertaken.
“Think Region Four in 2020, and think Region Four now, drive around and see…the amount of roads, the new businesses…And I’m not talking the COVID period, I’m talking before COVID,” the Vice President urged citizens, as he reflected on the drastic transformation of the country in a short period of time.
“Look at Georgetown…Georgetown is being transformed,” he added.
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