-Edghill warns that trucks exceeding weight limit will be impounded
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill on Wednesday told contractors executing projects in Region Four that 28 of 34 projects will be granted extensions while warning that trucks found exceeding the government’s 15-tonne per axle weight limit will be impounded for up to two weeks.
While the Ministry of Public Works did not identify the projects that will receive extensions, the decision to extend 28 of the 34 contracts raises fresh questions about delays in the execution of public infrastructure works. Over the past several years, a number of government projects have required extensions beyond their original completion dates, prompting concerns about project management, supervision and whether contractors possess the capacity to complete works within agreed timelines.
The announcements were made during a meeting with contractors, where discussions centred on project extensions, quality of work and compliance with regulations governing the construction sector.
According to the statement, Edghill informed contractors that the extensions would be processed through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, which awarded the contracts. He said extension letters would be issued shortly to facilitate the continuation of the projects.
The minister also reminded contractors of the need to extend their performance bonds.
The recently appointed Region Four Regional Executive Officer, Juan Edghill Jr, is the son of the minister.
It appears as if a significant portion of the meeting focused on concerns over the continued operation of overloaded trucks on public roadways.
Edghill said the government’s 15-tonne per axle limit was introduced in response to the damage being caused to roads by heavily-laden trucks transporting construction materials.
“We don’t want to shut down businesses and stymie anyone’s work,” he was quoted as saying.
He nevertheless stressed that stricter enforcement measures would now be implemented as some operators continue to disregard the regulations.
“From today, I will start impounding all trucks which are above the authorised weight limit. Whether it is yours or the contractor working for you, I’m telling you this is what is going to happen! And when I say impound, I don’t mean paying fines… the trucks will be clamped for two weeks,” Edghill said, according to the statement.
He explained that trucks found in breach of the regulations would be clamped for two weeks and emphasised that enforcement efforts were focused on the weight of the loads being transported rather than the size of the vehicles themselves.
The minister also announced that additional weighing scales would be installed across the country, including in Lethem, where the first set is expected to be operational within a month.
According to the ministry, the additional scales are intended to help preserve the structural integrity of bridges and roadways by reducing damage caused by overloaded vehicles carrying aggregate and other construction materials.
During the meeting, contractors and engineers suggested the establishment of additional monitoring stations along approved transportation routes, more accessible weighing stations along highways and increased enforcement activities at quarries and pits.
The ministry said Edghill welcomed the recommendations and indicated that some were already being examined.
He also warned that enforcement exercises would soon be expanded to Region Three, particularly targeting operations in the Wales and Free-and-Easy areas on the West Bank of Demerara.
The meeting concluded with a call for greater cooperation between contractors and the government in ensuring compliance with regulations governing the sector. “As contractors, you are partners of the Government. Please help us,” Edghill implored.
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