By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
GOEDVERWAGTING, EAST COAST DEMERARA — While the high-speed transformation of Guyana’s infrastructure is a shared national goal, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is warning that the current pace and management of roadworks are becoming a “nightmare” for residents. From Plaisance to Ogle, commuters are navigating a treacherous landscape of mud, dust, and deep excavations that the opposition claims is being handled with “negligent” disregard for public safety.
The “Mud and Stone” Corridor
Recent heavy rainfall has turned the ongoing construction on the Ogle to Mahaica roadway into a hazardous obstacle course. Portions of the critical artery are currently submerged or covered in a slick mix of stone and loam.
- Vehicle Damage: Residents in Goedverwagting and Plaisance report significant wear and tear on vehicles, with many citing damaged suspensions and punctured tires due to the uneven surfaces.
- Market Disruptions: Aubrey Norton, Leader of the PNCR and a resident of Plaisance, expressed specific dissatisfaction with how the project has affected the local market, hindering the livelihoods of small vendors who struggle to operate amid the chaos.
The “Unbearable” Dust Crisis
When the rain stops, the problems don’t end—they simply change form. APNU Member of Parliament Saiku Andrews echoed the cries of hundreds of residents regarding the extreme levels of dust pollution generated by the dry loam and construction debris.
- Health Hazards: Communities are reporting increased respiratory issues, particularly among children and the elderly.
- Financial Burden: Many homeowners claim the dust is so pervasive they are forced to pay for professional cleaning services out of pocket, as standard dusting is no longer sufficient to keep interiors habitable.
- Traffic Gridlock: Lengthy delays caused by the uncoordinated movement of heavy machinery have turned a usually 10-minute commute into a nearly hour-long ordeal for those heading into the city.
Safety and Negligence Concerns
The opposition’s critique goes beyond mere inconvenience. APNU has repeatedly called out contractors for what they describe as a “lack of health and safety enforcement” on-site.
- Fatal Precedent: The party cited at least one fatal incident linked to construction negligence, arguing that insufficient lighting, poor signage, and open trenches are “death traps” for nighttime commuters.
- Call for Oversight: APNU is demanding that the Ministry of Public Works implement stricter penalties for contractors who fail to maintain basic safety standards or provide adequate dust suppression (water trucks) during dry spells.
At a Glance: The East Coast Roadwork Grievances
| Issue | Resident/APNU Complaint | Impact |
| Pace of Work | “Prolonged and sluggish” execution. | Extended daily commuter frustration. |
| Environmental | Unbearable dust and loam runoff. | Health risks and increased cleaning costs. |
| Safety | Lack of barriers, signs, and lighting. | High risk of accidents/fatalities. |
| Economic | Market areas blocked or inaccessible. | Loss of income for local vendors. |
Conclusion: A Demand for Balance
The APNU maintains that while they endorse development as a national priority, it must not come at the “absolute detriment” of the citizens it is intended to serve. As the 2026 construction season continues, the pressure is mounting on the government to ensure that “progress” doesn’t leave the residents of the East Coast behind in a cloud of dust.
