Dear Editor,
The Takutu Bridge is now in semi operation and all other access routes to Guyana have since been closed. This has become an inconvenience to residents of Lethem and St Ignatius Village who have to travel approximately 4km from Lethem, along an unlit and desolated road to cross over to Brazil.
The ‘old’ crossing was in the heart of Lethem and was easily accessible by all persons. However, a decision was made to stop this crossing and everyone has to use the ‘international’ crossing. For persons who walk or ride to get over to Bon Fim, this has become a major inconvenience as it now takes nearly an hour to get to the crossing (as against 5-10 mins previously).
Another major point of complaint is the security of the area where the bridge is located. The road to the bridge is mostly along a dark desolate stretch of road. It is very risky for persons, especially females, to use the road late in the evenings or early in the mornings.
The actual distance from Lethem to the international crossing is approximately 2km. But there is a creek that runs between the two locations. The road between Lethem and the Takutu Bridge crosses this creek approximately 2 km on the outskirts of Lethem. This means that persons going to the Takutu crossing would first have to go to the outskirts of Lethem and then travel another 2km to reach the bridge. Travelling such a distance is very tiring and also risky.
It seems that when consideration was given to the construction of the Takutu Bridge, the movement of the residents of Lethem was not considered.
The difficulties presently faced by the Lethem commuters to get across to Bon Fim can be alleviated by the following: 1) Constructing a bridge across the Tabatinga creek at a point closer to Lethem and the Takutu Bridge. This would take off at least 2/3 of the present distance; 2) immediately installing street lights along the road from the bridge so as to improve security; 3) allowing Lethem residents to use the ‘old’ Takutu crossing in Lethem until better measures are put in place to use the Takutu bridge.
One hopes that the relevant authorities give urgent consideration to dealing with the present difficulties being faced by Lethem residents who regularly traverse between Lethem and Bon Fim.
Yours faithfully,
M Emile
