The government is moving ahead with plans to transform the Mahaica to Abary corridor into a four-lane highway, the Department of Public Information (DPI) said yesterday.
Residents and stakeholders were briefed on the design and implementation of the project during a public consultation held at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre on Friday.
Speaking at the meeting Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill said the initiative is one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Region Five.
He said that while the government’s long-term vision is to upgrade the corridor from Mahaica to Rosignol, the immediate focus will be on the stretch from Mahaica to Abary, DPI reported.
“The intent is to get this project from Mahaica to Rosignol but for now we are dealing with Mahaica to Abary and several bridges,” the minister said.
The project will be executed in two major phases.The first involves the rehabilitation and widening of approximately 27 kilometres of roadway between the Mahaica Bridge and the Abary Bridge.
Works will encompass expanding the existing carriageway from two lanes to four lanes, strengthening and reconstructing the roadway and paving the upgraded corridor.
The second component will see the construction of new river bridges at Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary, DPI said.Edghill acknowledged that construction will cause temporary disruptions but stressed that the long-term benefits will far outweigh the inconvenience.
“So, while there must be some inconvenience, it is for the long-term good and it will definitely help with the development of your region. I have been doing this for some time, so I’m fully aware of what can arise.
“If for any reason, in order to get this road completed, we have to use anyone’s private property, you will not be disadvantaged. The constitution provides that you are given fair market compensation,” he added.
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