Edghill threatens to cancel contracts over rushed and shoddy road shoulder works

The contractors that have been hired by the Government to carry out major road shoulder works across the city have received a warning from Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, that their contracts will be taken away from them for shoddy and rushed work.

The Minister called an emergency meeting with the more than 400 contractors, many of them first time contractors, who have been hired for the project. Over the past two weeks, residents of a number of areas have complained bitterly about their parapets being excavated with little or no notice and replaced with sand and crusher run.

In many instances, the work was hurriedly done and left in a shoddy state. At the emergency meeting on Thursday afternoon, the Public Works Minister lashed out at the contractors over the works. He said the “madness” taking place with the contracts will not be allowed to continue.

The Public Works Ministry has explained that it has awarded contracts for road shoulder improvement works across Georgetown, with construction already underway in some communities as part of a wider programme targeting several coastal regions.

The initiative is aimed at improving roadside conditions, easing parking pressures, addressing drainage problems and making better use of public spaces, the Ministry said in a statement.

Under the programme, road shoulders, or verges, will be cleared, excavated and filled with compacted crusher-run stone or other suitable aggregates to provide firmer and more durable surfaces, it was explained.

The Ministry said many roadside verges across Georgetown have traditionally been left earthen, resulting in muddy and uneven conditions during rainy weather. Depressions along these areas also tend to retain water, contributing to localized flooding and poor roadside conditions.

The Ministry also noted that the programme forms part of a phased approach to improving Georgetown’s road network and public spaces. It explained that while the immediate priority is to establish firm and usable shoulders and clear obstructed roadside areas, the improvements are expected to support possible future road widening at selected locations, subject to further assessments and designs.

It said another phase will include tree planting at suitable locations to provide shade and improve the appearance of streets. The Ministry said the planting exercise will take into consideration drainage systems, utility infrastructure, visibility and access requirements.

It added that efforts will be made throughout the construction process to maintain access to properties, protect drainage routes and ensure the safe movement of pedestrians.

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