Nationwide asphalting project starts Friday on Franklinweg in Latour

This was announced by Minister Stephen Tsang on Wednesday, ahead of the meeting of the Council of Ministers (RvM). “We will start the nationwide asphalt paving project on Friday,” Tsang said. According to the minister, the start of the work should have been announced earlier, but a delay arose due to a problem with a water pipe beneath Franklinweg.

The Surinaamsche Waterleiding Maatschappij (SWM) first had to carry out work to resolve the problem. “We understand that the problem has been resolved,” the minister said. This means the ministry can officially begin the first phase of the project on Friday.

Roads in Paramaribo given priority

According to Tsang, roads in virtually all ressorten of Paramaribo will be addressed in the first phase. The districts of Wanica and Commewijne will follow afterwards. The nationwide asphalt paving project will be carried out in several phases.

The minister stressed that not all roads will qualify for asphalt paving. Priority in the selection will be given to major connecting roads and neighbourhood roads.

“We will not be able to asphalt all roads, but we will give preference to connecting roads and neighbourhood roads,” Tsang explained.

Improving accessibility and road safety

According to the minister, improving road infrastructure is an important component of OWRO’s policy. Through the asphalt paving project, the ministry aims to improve access to residential areas and increase road safety.

Special attention will be given to roads where residents and other road users experience daily inconvenience due to the poor condition of the road surface.

Tsang indicated that a second and third phase will follow after the first phase. No further details were provided on the total cost of the project, the number of kilometres of road to be asphalted, or the schedule for the remaining districts.