Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Dr. Martin Pertab, on Tuesday led a technical visit to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Access Road Project as efforts intensify to address outstanding challenges and accelerate completion of the critical infrastructure.
Dr. Pertab was accompanied by Team Leader of the Management Committee, Mr. Kesh Nandlall; Divisional Director of Engineering Services, Mr. Ryan Ross; engineers from CHPA; and technical representatives from GPL. The visit focused on coordinating works along the main access route and resolving issues affecting construction progress.
According to Dr. Pertab, close collaboration with GPL is essential to ensuring that works are properly sequenced and streamlined, particularly since the completion of the road is necessary for GPL to install power lines along the corridor.
“We have faced several setbacks, but having GPL on-site with us allows us to directly address those issues. The bottom line is that the road must be completed to facilitate the installation of power lines, and that requires continuous monitoring and coordination,” he explained.
Over the past few months, CHPA and GPL have been working closely to keep the project on track. During the visit, outstanding technical and logistical issues were ironed out, contractors were engaged on-site, and other key agencies critical to the project’s success were brought into discussions.
The GPL Access Road Project spans a total of 12 lots, extending from the East Bank of Demerara to Mahaica. Each lot covers approximately four kilometres of carriageway. The road will connect South Ruimveldt to the GPL substation at Columbia, Mahaica, significantly improving access and supporting the expansion of electricity infrastructure across East Coast and East Bank Demerara, Region Four.
Dr Pertab confirmed that the Ministry has already begun engaging persons whose properties fall within the path of the access road and will continue working with other agencies, including the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), to address related concerns.
“The only remaining issue involves a few farmers along the corridor. Evaluations are underway, and appropriate action will be taken shortly,” he said.
Construction on the GPL Access Road Project is ongoing. The initiative represents a major investment of approximately $5.58 billion and is a key component of the Government’s wider infrastructure programme aimed at improving community access to electricity and supporting sustainable development in Region Four.
Photos & Drone: Sydel Thomas, Central Housing & Planning Authority PR Dept.
