Linden IMC adjusts tolls on the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge by some 25% effective from September 1
The Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge
The Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge

THE Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge which links the two Linden communities occupying opposite banks of the Demerara River, and facilitates travel to the furthest reaches of Guyana’s southern border, including to Rockstone, Lethem and to the Takutu Bridge that links Guyana to Brazil, has had its toll raised by some 25%, to take effect from Monday, September 1.

IMC Chairman of Linden Town Council, Mr. Orin Gordon
IMC Chairman of Linden Town Council, Mr. Orin Gordon

This new fare represents the first increase in the bridge’s toll since 1994 (20 years ago). The 50-year-old structure had undergone tremendous repairs costing some $30M by Linmine in 1994 after it had been damaged, and that entity had indicated an intention to recoup its expenditure. This was done without increasing the toll to cross the bridge.
The bridge had again undergone major repairs in 2009, but this time, the Government under former President Bharrat Jagdeo had pumped over $100M into the repairs done.

Chairman of the Interim Management Committee of the Linden Town Council (IMC), Mr. Orin Gordon, told the Chronicle that the bridge committee had agreed that toll to cross the bridge should be increased, since 25% of revenue garnered therefrom would go to maintaining the bridge, while the other 75% would be received as revenue for the municipality.
The new rates applicable to crossing the bridge are as follows:
– Articulate trucks: The rate has moved from $3000 to $4000
– Heavy earth moving equipment: The rate has moved from $1500 to $2000
– Three axle trucks: The rate has moved from 1500 to $2000
– Heavy duty vehicles: The rate has moved from $1000 to $1200

– Bosai vehicles will continue to pay $1200
– Goods vehicles of three to four tons’ capacity will move from paying $700 to paying $840
– Goods vehicles of two to three tons’ capacity will move from paying $500 to paying $600
– Tractor/Trailers will move from paying $400 to paying $500
– Goods vehicles of one to two tons’ capacity will move from paying $400 to paying $500
– Goods vehicles of less than 1 ton capacity will move from paying $200 to paying $240
– Greater 15-seat minbuses will move from paying $100 to paying $120
– 4×4 Vehicles will move from paying $60 to paying $80
– Minibuses will cease paying $60 and will start paying $80
– The toll for Cars will remain at $40
Bosai vehicles and car prices remain unchanged because Bosai repairs the bridge whenever the need arises and they cater for over 600 jobs in Linden. Cars represent 60% of vehicles in Guyana, according to Mr. Orin Gordon.
Written By Asif Hakim

 

 

 

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