KINGSTON - Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson is awaiting some positive news as to the early reopening of the collapsed culvert in the Annai area, Lethem road which saw a section of the road washed away due to heavy rainfall.
Hon. Patterson said that he is waiting a report from engineers on the ground, but is aware that current works are being done to restore the damaged thoroughfare. While the road's current state under the rehabilitation work will not be known until today, May 21, 2015, Minister Patterson explained that he has already been in talks with the Minister of Communities formerly, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry as to how the new government will not only tackle the poor quality road, but aid in preventative measures to address severe flooding in the Region Nine location, particularly the township. "I will be briefed by the roads department today," Patterson explained as pointed out that the ministry's engineers are seeking way to fix the road. The Minister noted, however, that he would be unable to say how soon the road will be reopened since he has to get an update from the workers at the affected site. Sections of the Linden to Lethem Road were washed away Tuesday 19 by heavy rainfall and the lone-north-south corridor to the Rupununi became impassable.
Several passenger buses and other vehicles remained in Georgetown and Lethem due to the inconvenienced. The new government was at the time contemplating steps to commence remedial works. While residents of the area stated that the road's condition would get worst, it has also been stated that it is almost fruitless to attempt to repair interior roads during very heavy rainfall.
The Linden/Lethem road is the only communication link for the transportation of numerous passengers, large quantities of food, fuel and other supplies from the coastland to the Rupununi.(Demerara Waves)
