‘I will start impounding all trucks operating above the authorised weight limit’ – Edghill warns contractors 

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Wednesday, met with contractors currently executing projects in Region 4 to discuss the extension of their project timelines, the quality of work, and compliance efforts.

The meeting aimed to ensure that while development is ongoing, further damage is not occurring to the current infrastructure.

The discussion commenced with Minister Edghill highlighting that 28 of 34 projects will be granted extensions through the Tender Board, which was the awarding entity for the projects. The contractors were assured that their extension letters will be issued soon for their projects to continue.

This was followed by a reminder about the extension of their bonds. However, the meeting’s focus quickly shifted to compliance and enforcement. Minister Edghill lamented the issue of truck operators’ disregard for the 15-tonne per axle load limit, instated by the government as an enforcement strategy within the construction sector.

He reminded the contractors present that this position was established on the heels of overladen heavy-duty trucks traversing and causing significant damage to the road networks while executing developmental works.

“We don’t want to shut down businesses and stymie anyone’s work,” Minister Edghill stated.

He emphasised that rigid enforcement measures will now be implemented to curb the negligent attitude of operators. The minister underscored that enforcement, which ought to be the last resort, is now emerging as the only effective alternative since some contractors—all of whom are partners of the government—continue to “play the fiddle” as it relates to compliance.

“From today, I will start impounding ALL trucks which are above the authorised weight limit. Whether it is yours or the contractor working for you, I’m telling you this is what is going to happen! And when I say impound, I don’t mean paying fines… the trucks will be clamped for two weeks,” Minister Edghill stated. He reminded them that it is not the size of the trucks but rather what is carried in them.

The Minister added that scales will also be placed at more locations across the country, with Lethem set to receive its first set within one month’s time.

“This is to ensure the structural integrity of the bridges we have built along the major road artery does not diminish faster due to overladen heavy-duty trucks carrying aggregate and materials.”

Further, Minister Edghill fielded questions and suggestions from the contractors and the engineers present on other possible measures they believe can be implemented, to which the following responses were given:

• More monitoring stations established along authorised routes.
• More scales along the highway that are easily accessible.

• Monitoring stations and enforcement exercises at quarries and pits.

Minister Edghill responded in the affirmative to the suggestions raised and added that some of these options are already being explored.

“Also, I want to sound the alarm that special exercises are coming for Region 3 to shut down those operations that occur on the West Bank end at Wales, and Free-and-Easy.”

The meeting wrapped up with a cooperative undertone by all gathered, with Minister Edghill’s closing remarks, “As contractors, you are partners of the Government. Please, help us! I am begging you today because I won’t listen to you when you call begging for the release of your trucks.”