MOPI NEWS | On Friday, May 4, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, conducted an assessment of the Queenstown High Bridge in Essequibo. According to Bridges and Roads Engineer, Philip Amos, the 99ft bridge which has been in need of repairs for years is crucial to the transportation of lumber and agricultural produce etc. in the region.
Fitzroy Fredericks, President of the Queenstown Development Association who organised the visit, said that the bridge has been neglected by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the former government for years. Fredricks explained that the bridge is a conduit for persons travelling to Bartica and parts of North West, Buckhall Supernaam Creek, Capoey, Lake Mainstay and Charity.
Bridges similar to the Queenstown High Bridge (QBH) located in Onderneeming, Annandale, Redlock and Capoey are all in good condition. The residents reported to Minister Ferguson that the leadership of the RDC has continually neglected the maintenance of the QHB, year after year, without any explanation given. The residents are calling on the RDC to replace the wooden structured bridge with a concrete structure.
Minister Ferguson told the residents that she will speak with Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder since the bridge falls under his ministry’s responsibility, as well as the RDC, to enable a collaborative agreement to have the bridge fixed.
Accompanying Minister Ferguson on the visit was Mohamad Juma, MOPI River and Sea Defence Engineer, and Philip Amos, Regional Bridges and Roads Engineer along with several community-spirited persons.
Reported by Andrew Weekes
Communications Officer- MOP
