SECTIONS of the access road from the Linden Highway to St Cuthbert’s Mission in the Mahaica Creek are so seriously deteriorated, that they are a source of worry for the residents of that Amerindian settlement.

A spokesman said that recent rains have washed away sections of the fair-weather road, making travel to and from the Linden Highway difficult and time-consuming. He said Central Government built the road on an existing trail in 2009, much to the relief of the mission’s residents, but a regular programme of maintenance has since been absent.

“We feel that a regular programme of maintenance is necessary because it is a fair-weather road and the condition deteriorates, especially after the rainy season,” the resident said.

Stressing that the 12-mile road is a critical link for residents of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, located 65 miles up the Mahaica River on its left bank, the resident said the Linden/Soesdyke highway makes a trip to Georgetown possible within one-and-a-half to two hours.

The Mission is also embarking on an eco-tourism project as an economic activity, and the road would provide crucial support in this respect.

“The village council has a small grader and tractor, which (they) can use to get routine maintenance done; but we urgently need regular maintenance by Central Government, to get the heavy work done first,” the spokesman said. (Clifford Stanley)