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14TH MARCH 2005
MEDIA RELEASE
Traffic Chaos on East Bank Road

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is very concerned that, once again, we have a daily chaotic traffic situation on the East Bank of Demerara road as a result of poorly managed road construction activity.

The PSC fully appreciates the upgrading of this roadway and anticipates a certain amount of disruption to normal traffic. It is quite evident, however, that the lack of proper planning continues to result in severe inconvenience and disruption to the daily lives of commuters and businesses. The movement of traffic is impeded for hours resulting in workers arriving at work hours late and quite frustrated. Business activity is being severely disrupted as transport to and from the East Bank and West Coast of Demerara is badly affected. This is adding to the many problems businesses are already facing as they seek to recover from the devastating effects of the recent floods.

The PSC is strongly of the view that this unacceptable situation must be urgently addressed by the Ministry of Public Works and Communication and the Traffic Department. In August 2004, the PSC drew attention to a similar situation which developed while bridges were being repaired and made suggestions for the preparation of by-pass roads, improved policing and for construction activity to be accelerated by doing work at nights and on weekends. Little seemed to have happened in this direction and it is no surprise that the chaotic situation is with us all over again.

We call on all concerned to act swiftly to alleviate the situation and to do better planning for the ongoing works. The apparent insensitivity to the plight of the commuting public and to the welfare of businesses must be brought to an end now.