Georgetown : The Ministry of Public Works handed over eight motorcycles valued $15M to the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Traffic Department, through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The handing over ceremony which attracted a large gathering at the Stabroek Market Square was an act by the Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn to enhance the performance of the traffic ranks.
Speaking to the gathering of Police Officers from the various divisions and citizens, Minister Benn noted that his Ministry, being tasked with the responsibility of the construction, expansion and maintenance of the roadways, sees a great need for collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs in the area of traffic control.
This intervention was made possible through funding from the Inter American Development Bank (IDB).
“The fundamental problem is, we cannot spend billions and billions of dollars building new roads, widening roads, putting in traffic lights, guard rails, road striping and all of those things without having it managed effectively to optimise its use principally, because we have a growth of 10,000 new vehicle registrations in the country every year…it all has to be managed so we have to support and synergise with the Guyana Police Force with respect to traffic management.”
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee in brief remarks, highlighted that these motorcycles will aid in traffic management due to the fact that there is a lot of disorder on the roadways.
He added that the initiative will allow an increase in the number of officers on the roadways and will enhance their performance in terms of mobility, adding that if reckless road users for instance jump a red light the officer will be able to go after that individual.
Police Commissioner (ag) Seelall Persaud, noted that there is a growing demand for more intense traffic management due to several reasons, some being new infrastructure, a growing tourism industry, and more vehicles on the roadways.
He further added that along with the three-way traffic flow on the East Bank Demerara, the GPF will be expanding this act of relief to the East Coast Demerara. He said that in the coming week, starting from Monday, the Railway Embankment on the East Coast will be opened from 7:30 to 8:30 hrs for traffic flowing down to Georgetown. One lane on the Main road will also be open for traffic flowing into Georgetown, creating a three -way traffic flow providing relief to commuters traversing that vicinity.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Public Works for this undertaking which he said will aid the GPF in a great way in carrying out its duties.
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