New roads in Mabaruma
Dear Editor,
The Mabaruma, Kumaka, Hosororo road construction began a few weeks ago. More than two decades ago we were asking for urban roads in Mabaruma. I myself when a member of the RDC lobbied on several occasions, only to be defeated.
But what also contributed to it was the fact we did not have strong and influential REOs and Regional Chairmen; they were afraid to take it up with the Ministry of Local Government.
When the Minister of Public Infrastructure came to Mabaruma I made it my duty to explain the present condition of our roads and the necessity for us having good roads.
The Minister mentioned that they were already having consultations with a contractor and work would commence early in 2017, but it started earlier because of the Minister’s speedy involvement.
I spoke with one of the workmen concerning the standard of work being delivered. He told me about the reputation of the firm. He also told me that the Regional Chairman paid a visit to the worksite at the initial stage and complimented the work that had been done. There are some persons who have not approved the work. They are claiming that insufficient materials are being used on the road.
Now the contractor is bound to work along with what is stipulated on the bill of quantities. Some persons told me that they examined the document for this project, although I cannot say if they saw the original document. I decided to do my own enquiries and from what I was told there is a clerk of works who is attached to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure whom I saw arriving very punctually at the work site. There is also the regional road overseer who is always there and whose duty, according to what he told me, is to monitor the progress and completion of that project.
Now if these two government officials who make their presence felt every working day were to blatantly allow substandard work, then they themselves would be answerable. Furthermore, in my opinion I believe the contractor is doing a reasonable job, because you can see and enjoy the contrast to what obtained for many years. The improvement in the road means the vehicle drivers are all testing their vehicle’s reliability and their personal skills.
The radio station at Mabaruma is very informative for all. They bring you up to date with many things such as the topography of different parts of the sub-region. They do a good job by educating the public, especially the older folks, on their pension books, not forgetting the music by Trevor.
When the President made the announcement about a radio station there were many who expressed disapproval of it; now many of them are really enjoying the comfort of it. It misses a few areas that are located very close. Sometimes you want to know if these areas exist.
Yours faithfully, Michael Hope