FOR several months now (since the latter part of last year), one of the main access bridges (eastern end) to the Ocean View housing scheme in Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara has been closed to traffic apparently for repairs because it is in a deplorable state. However, no work has begun as yet and as such the other main access bridge (western end which incidentally is also in a deplorable state), has to take off all the traffic which includes heavy-duty vehicles.

It is apparent, therefore, that by the time work is started on the one scheduled for repairs the other may collapse and vehicular traffic would be closed.

What is not clear is whether the bridge will be repaired or rebuilt by GUYSUCO, the regional administration or the Ministry of Public Works and when this will happen.

Of course, nobody is saying anything to the residents because, apparently, they are not important.

The other issue with this bridge is the fact that, in addition to being  very old, it is a wooden one and takes off a large amount of traffic. Consequently, it has to be repaired frequently (almost once per year) since it cannot cope with the volume of traffic. In the process, millions of taxpayers’ dollars are wasted.

The logical solution is to build a modern, concrete heavy-duty bridge with a walkway because children and other pedestrians use it as well. However, it would seem that this takes rocket science to comprehend and appreciate.
In the meantime, residents and members of the public continue to be seriously inconvenienced but who cares, life goes on merrily.