Demerara Harbour Bridge under resurfacing
Georgetown, GINA, August 21, 2007.
Sections of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) are currently being resurfaced as part of Government’s efforts to give longevity to the bridge and make it safer for traffic, particularly during wet conditions.
This project is being carried out at a cost of approximately $42M and is being undertaken by Golden Star Construction Company.
Technical Adviser to the Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Walter Willis said work, which started on August 15 include cleaning of the surface, after which there will be overlaying. A section of the bridge was resurfaced last Saturday. The project was awarded several months ago but work was delayed because of continuous replacement of damaged deck plates. It is expected to be completed within next eight weeks.
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Maintenance and upgrading of the DHB has continued over the years to prolong the structure’s lifespan and generally improve services. In 2004, a computerised maintenance system was developed and implemented for the DHB while the toll collection software was upgraded to improve the tax collection process. Additionally, three large pontoons were constructed and replaced last year for the retractor/acceptor spans.
The two-lane bridge, constructed in the 1970s, is a vital link between Regions Three and Four, and accommodates the crossing of approximately 24 000 commuters daily. It was designed by Thomas Storey Engineers Limited, using Acrow Panel Bridge and Uniflote and the contract was signed on May 24, 1976. The bridge which was a semi-autonomous body became a corporation on April 14, 2003.
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Overlaying of the DHB forms part of Government’s commitment to advanced infrastructural development with focus on improvement of the country’s highways, other roads and bridges. Construction of the four-lane road from Ruimveldt to Providence along the East Bank Demerara, rehabilitation of the Mahaica/Rosignol roadway and construction of major bridges and structures along the route from Timehri to Rosignol are among the main achievements recorded over recent years. At present, the administration is pursuing construction of the Berbice River Bridge and rehabilitation of the New Amsterdam/Moleson Creek highway, two multi-million dollar projects that will aid further socio-economic development.
Government also remains committed to construction of the Guyana/Brazil roadway since such projects will boost Guyana’s development through integration with its South American neighbours, expanding markets and increasing the competitiveness of Guyanese products, creating jobs, and improving interaction and cultural exchanges.
Infrastructural development is a critical component of Guyana’s medium-term agenda for sustainable growth. This vision of the present administration was highlighted by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the opening of the Ninth Parliament on September 28, 2006.
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Minister Nawbatt takes proactive measures to address housing, water issues
Georgetown, GINA, August 21, 2007
Monitoring, evaluation and feedback continue to be the pillar of advancing development and alleviating poverty and in this regard, Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt visited Cornelia Ida and the La Grange well site in Region Three on August 20.
At Cornelia Ida, housing-related matters dominated the discussions as residents sought the Minister’s intervention to regularize part of the area where they are squatting.
Minister Nawbatt and officials from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) visited the La Grange well site and updated the public on the progress being made.
Residents also disclosed the problems they are encountering in the interim since the well has been down.
The Minister had indicated at prior meetings that there would be regular interactions held with residents to update them on the situation. The Minister met residents on August 8 and 13.
Since the La Grange well became dysfunctional, GWI has been working to ensure that it is repaired and in the interim, GWI contracted the distribution of water on a daily basis which costs approximately $500,000 per month.
Accompanying the Minister was Board member of the Guyana Water Incorporated Dharamkumar Seeraj, Interim Managing Director Sizwe Jackson, Head of Asset Development (ag) Altaf Gafoor, Divisional Manager Dwayne Younge and other officials from the entity.
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President sends condolence to Peru
Georgetown, GINA, August 21, 2007
An earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale on the Wednesday, August 15 shook Lima and the coastline of Peru leaving hundreds dead and thousands more homeless.
Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo in a letter dispatched to the President of Peru, expressed condolence for the lives lost to the severe natural disaster.
The letter read, “I have received with deep sadness the news of the loss of lives and the widespread damage to property caused by an earthquake which struck the Rimac district in Peru on Wednesday, August 15. On behalf of the government and people of Guyana and on my own behalf I offer our deepest sympathy to you and to all those affected by this terrible disaster.”
In the letter President Jagdeo said, “I have great faith in the strong resolve of the people of Peru to surmount this tragic event which has no doubt caused severe disruption in their lives.”
Already clean-up and reconstruction work have commenced in towns left devastated by the catastrophic earthquake that killed more than 500 people.
Peru’s President Alan Garcia has said the top priorities for his government were cleaning the streets and rebuilding the tens of thousands of homes that have been destroyed in the two worst-hit cities.
The government is expected to build two-bedroom homes to replace more than 35,000 homes that have been lost.
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Guyana/ Indonesia solidarity key to nations’ advancement
- President Jagdeo
Georgetown, GINA, August 21, 2007
Though nations are independent, the vagaries of the international world dictate that States must pull together in all spectrums of national life to ride the challenges that persist and pose a collective threat.
This notion was expanded upon by Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo in remarks to mark the occasion of Indonesia's 62nd Independence Anniversary at a simple ceremony last evening at Le Meridien.
“Countries and regions of the world are now being drawn closer together not just by the realities of globalisation but also by the common challenges which we now face together, such as terrorism poverty and climate change. I believe it is important for governments everywhere to embark on a consolidated and concerted effort to address these problems.”
He said if left unchecked these challenges can impact negatively on the economic and social welfare of countries. The President revealed that this is the driving force behind Guyana’s development of home-grown policies and strategies to address these obstacles.
“We are prepared to work with the rest of the international community to find global solutions to these global issues,” the President said.
The Head of State said solidarity and mutual support are especially important to the economic and social progress of Guyana and Indonesia.
He said, “In the past, we have sought to work together in all relevant fora to ensure that the international trading system and other forms of economic cooperation are made more just and equitable.”
President Jagdeo said Guyana has embarked on a pragmatic programme of economic diversification to become less dependent on traditionally preferential markets. He noted that Indonesia could help Guyana in the agro-energy sector.
“I am aware of Indonesia's expertise in agro-industry, tourism and other promising sectors. It is therefore, my hope that Indonesian investments and technical assistance can help us to open up fully these areas that are rich in potential.”
The President opined that national occasions as Independence anniversaries provide an excellent opportunity for reflection.
He continued in the same vein, “Special occasions such as its independence anniversary provide a nation with an opportunity to reflect on its history and to take stock of its achievements. Like Guyana, Indonesia emerged from the shadows of a long colonial past. Notwithstanding the many challenges faced in its early years of independence, Indonesia's economy has enjoyed economic growth at a steady and impressive rate.”
The Head of State lauded the role played by Indonesia in the pursuit of South-South cooperation both on a bilateral level and though international bodies such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the G-77 and the United Nations by keeping the spirit of Bandung alive within the family of independent nations.
“This ideal has motivated countries of the South to work together to develop mutually beneficial co-operation and a deeper understanding between their peoples. An important step in this direction was taken in 1999 with the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. I am pleased to note that, despite the great distance which separates us, we have been able to develop strong ties of friendship and collaboration,” the Head of State posited.
Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Guyana Suprijanto Muhadi in his remarks said in commemorating his country’s independence day, the struggle and sacrifice of Indonesia’s founding fathers are always reminisced. He said they have left a legacy which all Indonesians are obliged to carry on, to continue what have been achieved namely, a free and independent Indonesia.
On Guyana/Indonesia relations the Ambassador said though limitations persist the coexistence between the two countries bilaterally and multilaterally are positive.
Ambassador Muhadi said, “With all limitations which - are existing, we have tried with optimism to increase the activities and programmes…exports from Indonesia to Guyana, which started long before the formal diplomatic relations were established, observably increases from one to another .”
The Indonesian Ambassador said many nationals from his country work in Guyana. This, he said, is a positive move in the direction of enhancing relations in such sectors.
He said, “The Indonesian Embassy will -facilitate private sectors in both countries which attempt to create contacts. Indonesia is actively looking for any possibilities to develop the relation between the two countries. I hope that both Indonesia and Guyana will improve the bilateral co-operation for the betterment of both countries and peoples.”
The Head of State and Ambassador Muhadi toasted to the health and happiness of the Presidents of Indonesia and Guyana, to the progress and prosperity of the people of both countries, and to the further enhancement of the relations between the countries and peoples.
The Republic of Indonesia gained Independence on August 17, 1945
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Health Minister meets herbal practitioners
– Health Professionals Bill to be tabled when Parliament reconvenes
Government, GINA, August 21, 2007
Government will be putting in place legislation to regulate the practice of alternative medicine in Guyana which ahs been mushrooming over the past years.
Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy today met with several herbalists to highlight that the practice needs to be brought under control. He said the unregulated practice allows room for abuse.
“It is the responsibility of the Health Ministry through the Guyana Medical Council to ensure that every citizen is treated with the safest medical care there is. The current legalities does not provide for the practices of herbalists in Guyana,” Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said.
He acknowledged that there is a place for alternative medicine in every country and Guyana has been actively pursuing the steps in this direction. The Health Professionals Bills has been drafted and is expected to be presented to the National Assembly during the next session, he said.
“I have to commend a few herbalists for collaborating with the Ministry, showing us their support in bringing legitimacy to such a practice, but the current situation shows that the practice is unregulated and there is room for abuse, Minister Ramsammy said.
This new proposed legislation comes against the backdrop of the sudden upsurge of local self-proclaimed herbalists who have flooded the market claiming to have the cure for almost every disease. In some cases they are known to charge exorbitant sums for their ‘medicines’.
Meanwhile, the Health Facilities Licensing Bill 2006 which is expected to be enacted during the next sitting of Parliament will allow added regulation in numerous health offices.
The bill however does not seek to regulate practices within the offices of private doctors, rather is aimed at strengthening regulations of public and private hospitals, laboratories, dialysis centres, imaging centres ( MRI and CT Scan), surgical clinics and cancer treatment centres that provide radiotherapy.
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