The presence of outdated water pipes and other underground utilities poses a challenge in the rehabilitation of Slangenhoutstraat. Existing asbestos pipes of the Surinaamsche Waterleiding Maatschappij (SWM) in particular require additional coordination between contractor Kuldipsingh Infra N.V. and the utility companies involved.
The work is part of the large-scale rehabilitation project for Van ’t Hogerhuysstraat, in which improving water drainage is an important component. Project manager Rodney Wongsosoeparto of Kuldipsingh Infra N.V. says that during implementation, the contractor must take various underground and above-ground utilities into account. Some existing pipes must be removed to make way for the new sewerage system.
The presence of SWM asbestos pipes is a particular point of attention in this regard. According to Wongsosoeparto, these pipes must be removed within the new design. Close consultation with the relevant authorities is necessary for this.
“So that requires coordination and planning with all those stakeholders,” the project manager told the Communicatie Dienst Suriname (CDS) on Monday, October 19.
According to him, it is important to identify possible problems in a timely manner so that the progress of the project is not unnecessarily hampered.
Sewerage takes priority over further road works
The contractor is currently removing and replacing cross culverts beneath Slangenhoutstraat and Calcuttastraat. This work is necessary to improve water drainage in the area.
Along Slangenhoutstraat and Van ’t Hogerhuysstraat, there are at least eight locations where sewerage facilities need to be addressed. Work is currently under way on the longest sewer line in Slangenhoutstraat.
According to Wongsosoeparto, the underground infrastructure must first be addressed before the remaining work on the road section can proceed.
After Slangenhoutstraat, the work will be expanded in phases from Molenpad in the direction of the Wijdenboschbrug.
Road closures cause traffic disruption
The work also affects traffic. Since Friday, October 16, Slangenhoutstraat has been partially closed between Van ’t Hogerhuysstraat and Hernhutterstraat.
The contractor is trying to provide local traffic with access as much as possible, but passage is not always possible during the installation of cross sewers.
Wongsosoeparto therefore stresses the importance of cooperation with the Motor Surveillance Dienst (MSD). According to him, road users must be informed in a timely manner about closures and available diversion routes.
Residents and business owners in the neighbourhood were also notified in writing in advance about the work.
Closed road section accessible again on Thursday
Kuldipsingh Infra N.V. expects to complete the current work on Slangenhoutstraat on Thursday, October 22. If the schedule is met, traffic will be able to use the closed section again from that day.
Work on the sewerage system along the rest of the route will then continue.
The rehabilitation project for Van ’t Hogerhuysstraat began at the end of August and has a planned implementation period of 20 months. In addition to the road works, improving drainage is an important component of the project.
Wongsosoeparto expresses his appreciation for the cooperation of residents, businesses and road users. “So far, we have experienced everything as very constructive,” the project manager said.
