Toshoa of Akawini Village in the lower Pomeroon River, David Wilson, has reported that the El Nino hot weather is having a very serious effect on his village.
According to Mr. Wilson, the savannah at Akawini is quickly drying out and residents are forced to travel long distances across the savannah to search for water to cook, wash, and drink.
Mr. Wilson said agriculture is also seriously affected in the Akawini area because of the hot weather and no rainfall.
The Toshoa said residents can no longer use canoes to travel from one area to the other in the dried savannah; they have to walk across swampy areas to get health and other social services.
According to the Toshoa, pregnant mothers are seriously affected. He said the village council met and has decided that two bridges will be constructed to connect two areas.
Mr. Wilson said the wooden bridges will cost some $150,000 and will connect Evenuri Village to School Island, and St Chads to Bara Cara. The bridge from Evenuri will be 150 feet long while the St. Chads bridge will be 600 feet.
Construction work is expected to start next week and residents are expected to work cooperatively to cut the wood for the project from the forest.