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Looking at solar powered traffic lights

Guyana Chronicle-December 2nd 2005

Government is exploring the possibility of refurbishing the traffic lights system in the city through the use of solar powered lights, with the help of an Indian company.

Minister of Home Affairs Ms. Gail Teixeira told the Chronicle that the problem of non-functioning traffic lights around the city was one of the issues raised during a meeting with representatives of minibus and taxi associations last Tuesday.

She said an expert from the Indian company will be here later this month to conduct a survey of the non-working installations, and in the meantime, the government is exploring avenues for funding of the project.

She also indicated that the Indian company has executed a similar project in neighbouring Suriname.

An official of the Indian High Commission told the Chronicle that the Indian company is Bangalore-based Bharat Electronics Ltd.

Motorists in Georgetown have been complaining about the non-functioning of many of the traffic lights, causing traffic congestion at many intersections.

The minister said that the meeting was part of the Road Safety Week activities aimed at addressing chaos and orderliness on the roads through cooperation among her Ministry, the Guyana Police Force and taxi and minibus operators.

At the meeting were representatives of the Guyana Mini-Bus Association, the Guyana Public Transportation Association and the Upper Corentyne Tapir Association.

Among the issues touched on was the establishment of a traffic court to expedite trials pertaining to traffic offences, as it is felt these matters take far too long to conclude.

However, Ms. Teixeira said, a magistrate has been assigned to traffic cases but he also attends to other matters.

Other issues looked at included the institution of a more efficient system of fines and tickets and the requirement by route 63 buses to get permission whenever they need to use the ferry across the Berbice River to go to the airport or other places out of their zone.

The minister said the meeting was cordial and useful. There is to be a follow-up meeting in two weeks’time.

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