AS a result of the incomplete Pirara Bridge and the inundation of the Bypass Road and bridge, the Ministry of Public Works has notified the public that the recent flooding in the Rupununi has created considerable traffic interruptions.
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill told the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday that the engineers and contractors are working assiduously to ensure that they establish a safe and efficient method for drivers to use the Pirara Bridge.
Due to the inconveniences caused by the incomplete bridge, the minister said that they are “actively working” to resolve the issue, so that road users can get back to their normal routines.
He said: “Due to the heavy rainfalls and the recent flooding, there has been significant traffic congestion due to the incomplete Pirara Bridge. However, we at the Ministry of Public Works have deployed our resources to build a temporary wooden decking over the new bridge so that the road users, which are inclusive of both light and heavy traffic, can flow with some sort of normalcy until the bridge is fully completed.”

With a projected completion date of Saturday, June 15, 2024, Minister Edghill said that efforts are in progress to complete the bridge as quickly as possible, so that the regular traffic flow can continue.”
In a press release that was sent out on Thursday, the Ministry of Public Works said: “The Ministry of Public Works informs the public that recent flooding in the Rupununi has caused significant traffic disruptions due to the incomplete Pirara Bridge and the inundation of the Bypass Road and Bridge. We understand the inconvenience this has caused to road users along this corridor and are diligently working to resolve the situation.
Severe storms in recent weeks have led to extensive flooding in the Savannahs, particularly along the Kurupkari-Lethem Corridor and at the Pirara Bridge site, severely disrupting traffic. In response, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has provided immediate support with two boats to shuttle passengers between locations.

The ministry has also mobilised resources to construct temporary timber decking over the new bridge to facilitate the crossing of both light and heavy traffic. Construction of this timber decking has commenced, with the remaining materials expected to be delivered by today.
Efforts are underway to expedite the bridge’s completion and restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible, with an estimated completion date of Saturday, June 15, 2024.
Waters have recently started to recede, allowing light traffic to resume crossing along the Bypass Bridge. We urge drivers of light vehicles to exercise extreme caution when crossing. The ministry also reiterates that under no circumstances should heavy vehicles attempt to cross the Bypass Bridge.”
Meanwhile, the Guyana Chronicle, in an article published on June 6, 2024, stated that the Ministry of Public Works and the local authorities have united to address the Pirara Bridge problem.
According to the information published, the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) has teamed up with the Lethem Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine to handle the urgent problems at the Pirara Bridge, a crucial intersection on the Linden-Lethem corridor.
It was further stated that the government representatives have been working together to create a plan of action that would address the difficulties commuters encounter when using this essential route.

At the most recent joint meeting of the MPW, Lethem M&TC, and RDC 9, a thorough four-point action plan was developed. The planned initiatives’ salient features are as follows:
1. TEMPORARY TIMBER DECK
To facilitate smoother passage for light- to medium-weight vehicles; half of the new bridge’s completed piers and abutments will be equipped with a temporary timber deck.
The contractor is currently procuring suitable timber and anticipates the commencement of installation within the week.
2. PHASED CONSTRUCTION
Upon completion of the temporary deck, construction activities will transition to the second half of the bridge using steel beams and a concrete deck.
Traffic management measures will be implemented to ensure a seamless shift of vehicles to the finished section, facilitating uninterrupted work on the remaining half.
3. TEMPORARY BOAT ASSISTANCE
In the interim period before the wooden deck becomes operational, the Lethem M&TC, in collaboration with the RDC, will extend temporary assistance to travellers crossing the affected area by boat.
4. REPAIRS ON OTHER AFFECTED SECTIONS:
Concurrent efforts are underway to address additional sections of the road that have been adversely impacted by flooding.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to high water levels.
Emphasising their dedication to the well-being and safety of commuters, both the MPW and local authorities reaffirm their commitment to exploring every viable avenue to ensure the swift and secure passage of individuals through the corridor.
As collaborative efforts intensify, stakeholders remain resolute in their resolve to surmount the challenges posed by the Pirara Bridge situation, underscoring the significance of a cohesive and coordinated approach to addressing critical infrastructure issues.