– about proposed new Wismar-Mackenzie bridge

THE Government of Guyana will be funding the construction of a new Wismar Bridge to the tune of US$4.4M, courtesy of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), to aid in enhancing the transportation sector and the development of interior communities.

The proposed bridge will bring to an end the dependency on the one-lane 50-year-old iron bridge that has long outgrown the burgeoning vehicular traffic in Linden. Daily, over 3000 vehicles traverse the bridge, which is a main means of commuting between the capital, Georgetown, and the country’s far-flung interior locations. Most importantly, the new bridge will alleviate the present traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, and significantly complement the Linden to Lethem highway that should see commencement of construction by 2019.

News of this latest development was met with much optimism up in Linden, so much so that many residents could not help but share their excitement with the Guyana Chronicle.
DENTON OSBOURNE, who is managing director of the public relations firm, Osbourne and Associates, had this to say when the Guyana Chronicle caught up with him: “President Granger made a promise that he will build the road to Brazil; we hope that indeed the road will pass through Linden. If it does, then a new bridge will indeed be welcomed, because it will bring a lot of economic opportunities, because of increased traffic and our strategic location. “There are already talks about a deep-water harbour, building a container yard, opening up pf a free-trade zone… “Those are all things to help Linden get the boost that was always talked about. With all these economic activities, we need a new bridge to facilitate them, since no big-ship can pass across the present one.”

To Detective SHARIFA ERSKINE’s way of thinking, “The new Wismar Bridge will indeed bring economic benefits to the town. It will attract more investors; it will increase trade and tourism, and this will have a ripple effect on local proprietors. “As business increases, revenue will increase in the town. The newly-constructed bridge will also allow for a safer crossing, since they was talk that the current bridge is sinking, and many persons experience fear while crossing.”

Boxing Coach, ORLON ROGERS is overjoyed at the prospect of a new bridge. “I think the new bridge will be a great impact for Lindeners, especially for the future,” he said. “There is much talk about developing our aqua-tourism potential, and the new bridge will create a new look to the Demerara River. “We recently held the Linden River-front Festival which aims at promoting the beauty of Linden. With the bridge, many more persons will be able to journey to Linden to support festivals as these; not only people from Georgetown, but Lethem as well. “When the Berbice Bridge was built, everyone wanted to see it, so they travelled to do just that and take pictures. With our new bridge, the same thing will occur.”
REYCIA NEDD is Branch Manager of NCN’s Linden office, and she, too, is excited about what’s in store for Linden.

“The construction of the new Wismar Bridge will significantly benefit Linden, and Region 10 as a whole,” she said, “as the project will see Lindeners employed to get the work done. It will also complement the Linden to Lethem Road. “The township of Linden will also see heightened economic activities, as persons passing through will undoubtedly be looking for certain services to be provided such as food and beverage, accommodation, entertainment among others.

“In addition, this should force service providers to improve and also diversify their services. So I’m optimistic that the bridge will bring much economic relief to our township.” The Guyana Chronicle also caught up with TOSHANNA ALLICOCK, and like any true public relations person, she, too, is able to see the bigger picture with the coming of the bridge.
“The new Wismar Bridge and the Linden to Lethem Road, I believe, will be a big boost for Linden, given its strategic location and its plethora of tourism and industrial potentials,” Toshana said.

“That road will allow Linden to become what it really is: The gateway to the interior and the hub of economic activities between Region 4 and other interior regions. “And while the road will not answer all of Linden’s economic problems, it will definitely enhance the spending traffic and key industries such as hospitality, tourism and even mining, will benefit.”
RENECIA DATTERDEEN, may be a lowly teacher, but she, too, has big dreams where that bridge is concerned.

“The Wismar Bridge has been a talk for too long,” she said. “I believe that the people of Linden need to see some action. “It been long in the cards, but is yet to get off the ground. And as the days progress, every day we cross the old bridge, we continue to suffer with a lot of time wasted waiting. “For a big town like Linden with over 40,000 residents, a new bridge is needed like yesterday.”