– investment possibilities in area discussed
Georgetown, GINA, June 6, 2009
President Bharrat Jagdeo on June 5 met with a team of Lethem businessmen to discuss issues relating to the business community in the area.

The team included past president of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce, Daniel Gajie, who disclosed that several issues were discussed including the development of the commercial and industrial areas in Lethem.

“With the impending opening and use of the Takutu river bridge, there will be great movement of goods, vehicles and people between Lethem and Brazil. The bridge will allow us to export Guyana’s products for the first time to North Roraima (in Brazil) initially and then further south into Brazil. This will allow a lot of products that we only had markets for in North America and Europe. These products will now be exported into Brazil generating income for the manufacturers and the persons here in Georgetown,” he said.

Gajie said development of the commercial area which encompasses about 67 plots started about three years ago and is spearheaded by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC).

There is also another area of about 70 acres that is targeted for industrial development and this venture is being undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

The meeting also focused on possibilities that would allow easier export and the prospect of attaining essential utilities including electricity, water and proper roads. The meeting also explored investment possibilities and shared other ideas that would assist in the further development of Lethem.

The Takutu Bridge linking Guyana with its southern neighbour Brazil is not yet open to traffic, and will not be, until all necessary systems are in place in both Guyana and Brazil.

Government is continuing to work towards the necessary inputs for the opening ceremony of the bridge.

The Takutu Bridge is 14 metres wide across the Takutu river and built of reinforced concrete with pedestrian walkways.