WITH traffic between Lethem and Annai being slowed by the swamp-like conditions in certain sections of the roadway, the regional administration is reportedly keeping a close eye on whatever little fuel it has left to keep power going in the area.
In recent weeks, the condition of the roadway around Hunt Oil has gotten so bad that it’s virtually impossible for fuel to be delivered in a timely manner, and word is that the Lethem Power Company(LPC)is now down to approximately two days of fuel.
According to Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) Chairman, Bryan Allicock, a team of engineers from the region were expected to assess the situation on Wednesday to determine what short-term measures can be implemented to remedy the situation on the ground.

At the moment, a tractor is in the area assisting with towing vehicles such as buses and the like which may have become stuck along the roadway. “We are hoping that some work can be done to fix it temporarily,” Allicock said.And to make matters even worse, there’s no letting up on the weather, as reports are that the rains have been pouring in the savannahs in the proximity to the flood-affected areas.Allicock said that water from the Ireng River as well as water from the Rupununi River have been trickling into the area. “This leaves a lot of flood water to remain in that general area,” he said.

As regards fuel supplies, Allicock noted that fuel tankers are not able to venture past the Hunt Oil stretch of road, “and even parts of the road north of Kurupukari”. He said that a suggestion has been made to the Board of the Lethem Power Company to source fuel in the interim from Roraima State in neighbouring Brazil.This “last resort” arrangement, Allicock said, had been in place since the 2011 floods, which had almost decimated the Rupununi. But that plan, he said, will take some time to put in place, since it will have to be approved by the government.Allicock is, however, optimistic that the road’s condition will improve soon. “I think the situation will improve within the next few days,” he said.