THE multi-million dollar Moruca bridge, which is to be commissioned soon, has already made an impact on the village’s tourism aspirations.
This is according to Toshao of Santa Rosa, Whanitta Phillips who told the Guyana Chronicle that the $110M structure is creating a buzz at Moruca. She said the village council has plans to explore the area’s tourism potential and the structure, among other projects being undertaken there, will boost such plans.
The new structure replaces a dilapidated wooden bridge and connects approximately 10,000 residents with the central business community of Kumaka. Recently, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson led a team of officials to Moruca to inspect the new concrete structure. The ministry stated that Minister Patterson noted that almost two years ago he had made a promise to the people in the community that he would construct a state-of- the-art bridge that will have the life span of 50 years and beyond. He said, “I am not in the habit of promising anything that I cannot fix”.
According to Toshao Phillips, she made a recommendation to Minister Patterson for the new structure to be outfitted with signage as a form of attraction. She said the minister gave the assurance that he will ensure that this becomes a reality. “I asked whether we can have arches with lighting placed along the bridge and minister [Minister Patterson] said he would look into it,” the village leader noted.
She said too that the new structure would positively impact the construction industry at Moruca. Phillips noted that in the past, the task of ferrying loads of sand and wood between various locations proved difficult. “So with the bridge it would be a good thing for people who want to build homes and who want to move materials,” she added.
After the inspection visit by Minister Patterson recently, the public official expressed satisfaction with the construction works and that it is exactly the way he envisaged it should be. Minister Patterson also added that the construction of the bridge was only the first phase and next phases will commence immediately. These include the construction of a 30-foot concrete strip on both sides, a revetment structure to prevent corrosion and a timber walkway which will be done through the bidding process of Community Participation.
“This will give the village men and women an opportunity to provide skilled labour to construct the walkway. In addition, the timber for the walkway will be purchased from the village,” the ministry stated.
Minister Patterson also urged residents to take good care of the bridge and to prevent bulldozers, combines, excavators and tractors from traversing on the bridge as this will undermine the surface of the structure. Additionally, Minister urged the residents to restrict persons from diving off of the bridge, especially children.
Meanwhile, another multi-million dollar project, the resurfacing of the Bemichi Airstrip at Moruca has been completed and the village council will be working to the undertake works to a waiting facility near the strip. Toshao Phillips noted that the facility is in need of an upgrade and this will be addressed soon. She said that a domestic carrier has already indicated an interest in providing a service to the area.
