President Dr Irfaan Ali today met with the contractor, China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC); consultant, Sheladia Associates Inc.; engineers and a traffic management team working on the rehabilitation and expansion of the East Bank Demerara Public Road.

This engagement followed Saturday’s heavy traffic congestion along the upper EBD corridor after the two-lane road at Soesdyke, in the vicinity of St Mary’s, was closed off to facilitate ongoing road works, thus resulting in only one lane of traffic being allowed to move at a time.

In a post on the official Facebook page of the Office of the President, it was noted that during the meeting, “The President read the riot act to the contractor and consultant regarding the pace of the project and the manner in which traffic arrangements are being followed. The contractor and consultant will submit a revised work plan within the next 24 hours.”

As a result of the ongoing roadworks at Soesdyke on Saturday, there were miles of traffic buildup along the road that leads to the hinterland regions and to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) – the country’s main port of entry.

Despite efforts by the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department to manage the orderly flow of vehicles, some motorists were overtaking and creating several lanes of traffic, which worsened the situation.

In fact, several social media posts with photos and videos shared by frustrated members of the public captured outgoing passengers walking from as far as Land of Canaan along the East Bank corridor with their luggage in a bid to reach the CJIA for their flights.

Outgoing passengers walking with their luggage amid Saturday’s traffic woes along the EBD corridor

Several persons even complained of missing their flights. Moreover, some airlines were forced to reschedule their departure times after their crews were also stuck in the traffic.

During today’s meeting, President Ali also highlighted to the police the blatant disregard for traffic rules and road safety, particularly by trucks, and called for stricter measures to be implemented.

A number of measures were agreed upon, including the establishment of an integrated control room and the implementation of a traffic management drone system.

In addition, an early warning system and an emergency transport plan, in collaboration with the Coast Guard and the Marine Section of the Guyana Police Force, will be set up also to help manage traffic and the workflow, as well as assist persons heading to the CJIA in cases of unforeseen circumstances, henceforth.