Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill has ordered the placement of barriers along sections of the Ogle to Eccles highway to prevent developers from creating dangerous 90-degree entry points onto the highway, warning that failure to act could result in loss of life.
Addressing the issue on Monday, Edghill raised concern about what he described as an increase in unsafe access routes being constructed by developers along the corridor.
He reminded that the highway was designed for high-speed travel, with a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour, and is not intended to accommodate direct right-angle entrances.
“Erect barriers to prevent them from getting onto the highway…before somebody dies or several people die and then we have to face the consequences of not allowing safety concerns not to be addressed on this highway,” Edghill said.
According to Edghill, officials from the Ministry of Public Works have repeatedly cautioned that improper access points create a dangerous speed differential between vehicles exiting developments and motorists already travelling on the highway.
“I know people will say that government give them permission to do the development but I am certain as a representative of the Cabinet, a permission to do development does not mean recklessness in the use of the roadway or a highway,” he said.
Edghill disclosed that developers operating along the corridor were previously summoned to the Ministry, where they were instructed to submit detailed designs outlining how their projects would safely access the highway.
“Everybody have to comply. I called every developer that we knew to my boardroom and we had a discussion, and all of them were supposed to bring a design to show how they will make their access to get to the highway,” Edghill explained.
However, he said only some developers have complied by submitting drawings and receiving approval. As a result, the Ministry has authorised the installation of barriers to physically prevent unapproved entry points onto the highway.
Issuing a stark warning, Edghill said continued unsafe practices could have deadly consequences.
“People are going to die here if they continue to drive out like that,” he cautioned.
The Guyana Police Force has been engaged on the issue, as authorities move to address the matter urgently.
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