5th of June, 2024. Guyana, South America. GSA News. Guyana News.
Last updated: June 5, 2024 at 17:47 pm
Flooding of the Rupununi Savannahs and other areas close to the Lethem-Linden trail has seriously hindered travels from Georgetown to Lethem and vice versa. Over the last several days, vehicles were unable to ply the route because of submerged sections of the trail. Local bus companies innovated and circumvented the problem by employing the use of an engine boat to transport passengers across flooded area, loading them on the other side into another bus. The trail has basically been cut in two by the floodwaters at Pirara.
Government Rushes to the Rescue
The Guyana Government has rushed to address the problem, outlining an action today, 5th of June, 2024, as follows:
𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐏𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰
MoPW | The Ministry of Public Works (MPW), the Lethem Mayor and Town Council and the Regional Democratic Council, Region 9 are working together to address the situation at the Pirara Bridge on the Linden – Lethem corridor.
Here’s an update on the latest developments and plans:
• A joint meeting with the Ministry of Public Works officials, the Lethem Mayor and Town Council and RDC 9, produced a four-point action plan.
𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧:
1. Temporary Timber Deck: Half of the new bridge’s completed piers and abutments will be outfitted with a temporary timber deck for light to medium-weight vehicles. The contractor is securing appropriate timber and expects to begin this week.
2. Phased Construction: Once the temporary deck is complete, the contractor will build the second half of the bridge using steel beams and a concrete deck. Traffic will then shift to the finished section, allowing work on the remaining half.
3. Boat Assistance (Temporary): Until the wooden deck is operational, the Lethem Mayor and Town Council, in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), will continue to assist travelers crossing the affected area by boat.
4. Repairs on Other Affected Sections: Efforts are underway to address other flood-damaged sections of the road. Drivers are urged to exercise caution, especially in areas with high water levels.
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
The Ministry and local authorities are committed to exploring all options for ensuring safe and swift passage through the corridor.
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