–regional official, residents anticipate ‘greater days’ with new four-lane Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge

RESIDENTS of Linden in Region 10 as well as regional representatives have commended President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and his administration for moving ahead with the construction of the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge, for which a US$35 million contract was signed recently by the Government of Guyana and China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Regional Chairman of Region 10, Deron Adams, said that he is pleased that the construction of the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge is being realised by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), since both major political parties had it on their agendas.

According to him: “I am happy that the bridge is being realised, and I know based on the fact that when I checked the manifesto [sic] for both APNU and the PPP/C when they were presenting their plans and vision that the bridge was a priority for them… So, I am happy that the government of the day, with the interest of continuity, has agreed to [do] both the Linden to Mabura Hill road project and, of course, the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge.”

Adams, who described the recent signing ceremony as a historic event, said: “I know that Region 10 is well positioned geographically to become a major centre for business and finance.”
He also said that with the roads and construction of the new bridge across the Demerara River, Linden will be better positioned to become a major hub in the country.

The Regional Chairman also added: “When one looks at some of the challenges that the people of Region 10 experience on a daily basis, especially in Linden, the wait time in the mornings is because of the current one-lane structure that is there.

“I think that it will be easier for vehicles to traverse once it is completed, and I believe that it will have a powerful impact on our region when a country like Brazil, which has a large money supply and is ready to invest, is connected to a region like the Upper Demerara-Berbice [sic] region.”

Adams went on to say: “So, this piece of investment [the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge] will definitely reduce travel time; it will encourage investment and facilitate business interaction and tourism, amongst other things.

“I also believe that we must, together, in bipartisan ways, give support and welcome it, so that critical component, that piece of infrastructure [the bridge], will indeed complement the work that has started on the Linden to Lethem Road, and I am happy that I was a part of the ceremony on Friday.”

Additionally, Jackie Bourne, a Linden resident, told the Guyana Chronicle that there has never been a major development in Linden’s history which is comparable to what is currently occurring under President Ali’s administration.

According to her: “I am so happy for this bridge, and I know that the residents in Region 10 are incredibly happy too. Drivers, motorists, cyclists, workers, and students will benefit tremendously from the expansion of this bridge.

“I say this because every day, especially during peak hours, there is a long line at the bridge, and you are stuck sometimes for over an hour or more there waiting to cross. It is really pleasing to know that we are getting a bridge, and it’s a four-lane one, so we would be relieved from the traffic congestion.”

Bourne added: “Apart from the workers, drivers, and children getting to their destinations on time, this bridge will be good for business as well, because this government is also working on the roads from Linden to Mabura, and then the second phase will be straight to Lethem, which will link Brazil and make Linden an economic hub for us. How can we not be excited about this?”

She also used the opportunity to address her fellow Lindeners, urging them to notice the progress being made in the area, and recognise those who are attempting to provide them with a better living, rather than allowing themselves to be “brainwashed or misguided” by the wrong people.

She added: “All that is happening in Linden will boost the economy, and we will all benefit from it; of course, it will not happen at once, but look at the bridge, for example. This will boost the Wismar shore, where business is hardly being done… I want to also say that a lot more roads are being built, and a lot more grants are given to small-business owners.

“Region 10 is a unique place, and everything for some people is politics, but I want to urge them to see for themselves all that is happening around them, look at the developments, and support those who are supporting you. We are finally being seen, and we are being given what we always wanted. I am sure that we will continue to get more in due time. We are in 2024; let us think for ourselves, my people.”