Dear Editor,
It is now the heart of the rainy season in the Rupununi and the Takutu River is raging. The pontoon that is used to ferry vehicles across the river seems rather inferior, with two small outboard engines pushing it against the very strong river currents and this has made crossings a very risky business.
On top of all of this lies a spanking new bridge, almost complete, but not being utilised.
Why hasn’t the Takutu Bridge opened for traffic as yet? It is now almost two months since work was completed on the bridge and approaches from both ends of the bridge have been completed (even though Guyana’s side is still muddy, potholed laterite, while the Brazil side has been paved right up to the bridge). Pedestrians are allowed to use the bridge, and even motorcyclists, but not other vehicular traffic.
At present, vehicles using the pontoon to cross the Takutu River do so at great risk as the flow of the river is very strong and the small outboard engines pushing the pontoon struggle to cope with the currents. Even if the bridge isn’t 100% completed, the extreme height of the Takutu River should be a factor in allowing partial use of the bridge by vehicles. The bridge was temporarily opened for a day some time last week and it brought great relief to communters, but lo and behold it was quickly closed. No explanation was given as to why it was closed so quickly.
One gets the impression that it is the Brazilian administration that still has full authority over the bridge. If that is the case then it is urged that our officials meet with their Brazilian counterparts and work out a system where the bridge can be used during this rainy season. Why should our administrations (both Guyana and Brazil) allow our people to face the dangers of crossing the Takutu River by pontoon when the bridge can be utilised? One only hopes that common sense prevails before we end up with a tragedy.
Another point of observation with the Takutu Bridge is the design of the rails at the sides of the bridge. A pedestrian walkway has been constructed along both sides of the bridge. This walkway has been aligned at the outer edges with metal rails. The design of these rails don’t seem to cater for the safety of the pedestrians, especially small children, as the bars are widely spaced. A fully grown person can easily fit between the rails. Imagine the inherent dangers if a parent is walking along the pedestrian lane with an energetic child. This design needs urgent modification to ensure the safety of all pedestrians. A finely spaced grilled mesh (similar to the rails of the Demerara Harbor Bridge) would be a suitable design.
The Takutu Bridge was constructed to ensure easy, comfortable and safe movement of traffic over the Takutu River. One only hopes that it is put to its intended use and does not just lie there like a white elephant while people risk their lives to cross the river.
Yours faithfully,
M Abraham