Residents of Aishalton, in Region Nine, have said that the worsening state of a bridge linking South Rupununi communities to Lethem is putting them in peril during every journey to the township.
The bridge is located 400 metres from the eastern Rupununi Bridge along the main Aishalton to Lethem road.
According to residents of Aishalton, despite the fact that they are fearful of crossing the bridge, which might soon collapse, they are continuing to use it as it serves as a vital link to Lethem.
A resident of the community, who did not want to be named, described the condition of the bridge, rotting, while noting that pieces of its boards drop off once something heavy uses it. She said that while that evidence can be seen on one half of the bridge, she observed that the second half of the bridge is also starting to rot. She revealed that when travelling most passengers disembark from the vehicles to avoid accidents, if one should occur. She added that the weight of passengers can contribute to an accident, which is another reason why they disembark, although, she said she doesn’t know if other persons take that precaution. She also disclosed that before crossing persons look for pieces to place over the holes of the bridge so they can cross.
When asked why she continues to use the perilous bridge, she responded, “Well I don’t really have a choice. I go to Lethem to buy foodstuff for my household because it’s cheaper to buy foodstuff there. I am a poor woman, so I have to take that risk. Also this not only affects Aishalton people, it affects a lot of communities near this are. Just ask anybody.”
It was also revealed that the bridge has been in the current condition for a number of months. In a previous report, the Toshao of the village, Michael Thomas, commented on the condition of the bridge. He said that he was reluctant to take action because the bridge falls in the Katoonarib area. He further revealed that the bridge had been in that condition for months. He made similar statements when he was contacted by Stabroek News in relation to the matter. He added that on behalf of the South Rupununi communities, the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) had raised their concerns about the bridges in the area with the Minister of Public Infrastructure.
Thomas further added that crossing the bridge is very dangerous but notes that many persons from the South Rupununi continue to use it as it serves as a link to Lethem, where many go to conduct their business. He said that he is planning to raise the issue with the relevant authorities because the condition of the bridge has significantly worsened since the last time they had raised the issue.
When asked about the state of the bridge, a businessman of Aishalton, who did not want to be named said, “The bridge is in a very terrible state and any vehicle or motorcycle is taking a great risk by crossing it and it’s just a matter of time before it collapses. Where will that leave us since that is the main road to Lethem? How am I going to bring in my goods for my business? It will be very difficult.”
In addition, he addressed the possibility of using the other road, which links South Rupununi communities to Lethem, saying that while it is a second option for about half of the communities in the South Rupununi, it will be very expensive because it is a longer route. “Besides that road and its bridges are in a bad condition too. If they fix that, well, then we can use it because once the road is good it will be faster,” he observed.
Meanwhile, Sabrina Gomes, a businesswoman of Aishalton, said, “It is dangerous to cross over but people chance it because there’s no other choice, especially for us vehicle owners, and nobody is doing anything about it. It’s really scary.” The woman added that it had been in the same condition for months and if any heavy-duty vehicles should try to cross it the bridge will undoubtedly collapse. And that, she said, will result in more difficulties for South Rupununi communities.
A few months ago Stabroek News reported on the deplorable state of the roads and bridges which link South Rupununi communities to Lethem. The bridge in question was among those highlighted. One has since been fixed.
Attempts to contact the Region Nine Regional Democratic Council were unsuccessful. However, when contacted by this newspaper, Ministry of Public Infrastructure Hinterland Engineer Jeffrey Walcott said that while he is unaware of the condition of the said bridge, he will look into the matter.
