Sincerely,
Recently our Minister of Public Works was in the media boasting of the completion of a number of concrete bridges along the stretch of road from Kurupukari to Lethem. While this is indeed true, the Minister did not paint the complete picture of these bridges. Because, even though these bridges are indeed completed, many were constructed on solid land (a method never before seen in Guyana) while the rotting dilapidated wooden bridges still remain over a number of the creeks and are the only means to cross these creeks. Some of these old wooden bridges have sagged under the weight of the monstrous 30 wheeler, triple trailer Brazilian trucks now traversing the road on a daily basis. Other bridges have planks missing or parts completely broken off leaving gaping holes on the bridges.
This is the true status of the bridges which drivers have to cross along the Kurupukari – Lethem stretch of road. Further, what was the rationale behind engineers approving bridges to be built on solid land and then diverting the creek to flow under the new bridge? There is already clear evidence, even in this season of minimal rain, that erosion will play a massive part in these new creek channels that are being artificially created. Is the minister and government satisfied with this construction method and that it will stand up in the long term? Locals are already resigned to the fact that when the real rains arrive, the areas around these bridges with their man made courses will become a royal mess of flood and erosion.
It must be noted that some bridges (approximately 6 out of a possible 15) seem to be properly done. And were actually built over the active creek. These bridges were constructed by a local contractor from the Rupununi and Brazilian sub-contractors who seemed to have a much better knowledge of the natural environment. It is also worth noting that the local contractor and Brazilian sub-contractors are the only ones whose bridges were completed on schedule. Media houses and GAPE (Guyana Associaition of Professional Engineers) are urged to take a trip down this stretch of road and see for themselves what is going on with these projects.
Sincerely,
(Name and Address Withheld)
