Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn said that in light of the ongoing situation in Linden, which has resulted in vehicles using the alternative Bartica-Potaro road, a re-evaluation is being done of that roadway. Since July 18 last, protestors took to the streets in Linden and have occupied the Kara Kara Bridge, blocking access to interior locations. As a result, those familiar with the terrain reverted to the expensive alternative of accessing the interior via the Bartica/Potaro road.
Minister Benn explained that the fundamental problem of heavy and consistent rainfall in the area has significantly hindered the contractor’s work to better the road, and coupled with the fact that heavily laden trucks now traverse the roadways, there has been much deterioration.
“…There is a problem with drainage for the road…additionally trucks traversing the road along with the recent opening of a housing scheme at 5 Miles has resulted in the excess damage to the road,” Minister Benn explained.
He added that in light of the current situation, additional funding would have to be sought to adequately surface the road.
The Bartica/Potaro road leads to areas such as Mahdia, Mabura, Frenchman and others in Regions 8 and 9.
Bartica residents yesterday protested the condition of the road and burnt tyres and dug a ditch.
Continuous investment by government to rehabilitate road networks in Bartica saw the execution of a project valued $15M during 2011, to apply double bituminous surface treatment, and sand seal 1050ft x20 ft of roadway along the Bartica/Issano road, and for the construction of concrete slipper drains in critical sections with the installation of two culverts.
Additionally, $68M was spent to upgrade, reconstruct and rehabilitate the road networks in Bartica and its environs.