THE Ministry of Public Works and Communications plans to start urgent repairs to sections of the Linden-Lethem Highway this week to ensure that it is in good shape for the anticipated Easter Weekend annual Rupununi Rodeo traffic.
Engineering Coordinator of the Work Services Group in the Ministry, Mr Leon Goring said that tenders for the repairs to the road were, up to last week, engaging the attention of the National Procurement & Tender Administration Board and he was optimistic that this process could be completed quickly so that contracts could be awarded sometime this week.
“It is going to be close but we are working hard to ensure some work at least on some sections before rodeo and indeed before the start of the anticipated May-June rains,” he commented to the Chronicle a few days ago.
The sections to be tackled as a matter of urgency are the stretch between Hunt Oil and Aranaputa in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and  Mabura Hill to Rockstone in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice).
The bids for the contract for the rehabilitation of three sections of the Linden to Lethem road were unveiled at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board on March 29 last.

Mr. Goring disclosed that the process for repairs to the Lethem to Aishalton road were slightly ahead in that contractors had already been identified for these repairs.
V. Dalip had been awarded a contract of $79M for rehabilitation of the stretch from Lethem to Katoonerib while BK International has been awarded a $54M contract for the remaining stretch from Katoonerib to Aishalton.