By Indrawattie Natram

TOURISM in the Amerindian community of Mashabo in Region Two is expected to be boosted following the commissioning of a $1.2M wooden bridge. The bridge, measuring 660 feet, links the back of Huist Diren on the Essequibo Coast to the Mashabo Mission Lake Top. This is the longest wooden bridge in the region.

Commissioning the bridge on Thursday was Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, who said the bridge linkage will create a range of opportunities for the village’s economy, particularly in the areas of agriculture and tourism. She, therefore, commended the Mashabo Village Council for choosing to execute such a beneficial project in the community.

De Silva, while addressing residents, highlighted the importance of identifying resources within the village that could aid economic development and successful livelihoods.

She told residents that pensioners will no longer have to travel long distances to get their pension and promised that plans are being finalised to make payment available in the village. The assurance was given after residents complained about the high transportation costs they have to incur to journey out of the community to receive their pension.

De Silva used the occasion to call on residents to play an active role in the regular maintenance of the bridge.Meanwhile, Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit, who accompanied De Silva to the simple commissioning ceremony, said the bridge will allow for easier and cheaper access to the community.

He said that residents and visitors can access the community by either foot, bicycle or motorcycle to get across the Itiribisi Lake.According to Oodit, the Mashabo community which is located aback of Husit Diren Public Road has rich tourism potential, and he urged the village council to indulge in “Black Water” tourism.

In his remarks, Toshoa Sylvin Raphael said the bridge was renovated by local contractor, Amous Fredericks, with funds from the 2020 presidential grant initiative. Raphael said that the Mashabo Village Council noticed the struggles residents often face when trying to conduct business in other parts of the Essequibo Coast.

He also used the opportunity to thank all those community members who volunteered their time to ensure that structure was completed.Raphael added that his council is focusing on enhancing tourism in the community and the new bridge takes them one step closer to making this a reality.

Resident using the bridge are required to pay a fee of $100, while visitors will pay $300.