The 6.5 miles, Hunt Oil stretch on the Linden to Lethem Road is closer to its total repair as the Ministry of Public Works and Communications is overseeing the process.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, who has spent five days in the area monitoring the progress of the road repairs, stated that the area will be opened to truck traffic within two to three days, and currently small pick-ups are traversing the area.
Minister Benn refuted claims that the road was breached as stated in certain sections of the media, and noted that the flooding of the road was as a result of water coming down from the hills. To curb this situation, dykes have been erected along the road corridor.
When the Government Information Agency (GINA) visited the construction site yesterday, there was sunny weather, and the contractor, V. Dalip, was expediting works. There was evidence of flooding in the savannah but the Linden to Lethem road was not submerged.
Minister Benn highlighted that the Lethem power plant has received a week’s supply of fuel from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Skyvan shuttle and there is no food shortage in the Lethem area.
This was confirmed by the Chairman of the Works Committee of the Region, Alex Charlie, who praised Government’s timely intervention in aiding the restoration of the road to its current condition.
Charlie stated that although the road had been flooded, there has been no food shortage in Lethem since pick-ups are allowed to traverse the area carrying essential items.
Guyana is experiencing La Nina conditions with heavy rainfall in hinterland communities. This has led to damage in certain sections of the Linden to Lethem Road, and since then, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications has been expediting remedial works.
Pertinent sections such as 40 Miles and 42 Miles Creek Crossing, Mabura and Cork Wood, which were affected, have been restored and traffic is flowing as per normal.
To strengthen the Linden to Lethem Road, which is Guyana’s main link to Brazil, Government carried out a pre-feasibility study earlier in the year and currently a feasibility study is being done. This will include the social as well as environmental impact of the road. (GINA)