South Ruimveldt Residents Frustrated Over Delays in $1.45B Aubrey Barker Road Project
By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
The rehabilitation of the Aubrey Barker Road, a $1.45 billion project running through South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, has become a significant source of frustration for residents and motorists.
According to Kibwe Copeland, Councilor for Constituency 14 at the Mayor and City Council, the project—which began in 2022—was slated for completion in 2023 but remains unfinished, creating daily inconveniences.
“What we’ve seen over the period is mismanagement of this contract. There has been no collaboration with agencies and stakeholders. It’s more than just the ministry or government saying they’ll expand the road,” Copeland said.
The situation worsened recently when several utility poles collapsed, leaving the area without electricity and water. Residents also complained about deteriorating roads, worsened by heavy trucks traveling in and out of nearby housing developments.
In response, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, who inspected the site earlier this month, ordered round-the-clock operations to speed up works. He cautioned that further delays would escalate costs.
Copeland, however, argued that the project lacked proper planning.
“If the ministry had done a proper feasibility study, they would have known what sections required enlargement. Instead, the works were started at both ends, leaving the middle undone, which has inconvenienced the community.”
Frustration boiled over in late 2024 when residents staged protests, burning debris along the roadway. The Guyana Fire Service was forced to intervene, while Deputy Police Commander of Region 4, Michael Kingston, negotiated with protesters, assuring them that the matter would be addressed.
For now, residents say they remain hopeful that the long-overdue project will finally be completed to bring relief to their community.
