$60M Lethem Bridge swamped months after commissioning

Jul 02, 2017 News

A $60M bridge linking Lethem and Tabatinga, two communities in Region Nine,

File photo: The completed bridge.

appears to have been a waste of money.
The recent heavy rains and floods have clearly shown that it was poorly constructed.
Opposition parliamentarian from Region Nine, Alister Charlie, was hopping mad about the project, insisting yesterday that it was incompetence by the regional authorities.
Photos from the area show persons wading in waters after coming off the bridge. A car was seen driving into the flood waters leading to the bridge.
The wooden bridge was built with lumber and with uprights encased in concrete.
Last year, in defence of the project, Mayor of Lethem Town, Carlton Beckles, explained that there was one major road that caters for ingress and egress in Tabatinga, a community bordering Lethem.
Beckles noted in a government statement, that the new structure will not only bridge the gap between the housing scheme and Lethem, but will also ease traffic congestion.

The current condition of the bridge.

The Mayor said that it is visualised that in years to come, the population of Lethem and its surrounding areas will increase, and traffic congestion will become an issue.
Located in Central Rupununi, Tabatinga was established and further developed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority in 2003. This community is home to over 1000 people.
Beckles was quoted in February, in state media, as saying that while the project is not completed, it is usable.
The contractual scope of the bridge has been completed; however the second phase, which includes the rehabilitation of two approach roads, is yet to be completed. He added that the Lethem Town Council is also looking to have a sidewalk erected on the bridge for pedestrians. Solar powered lights will also be installed.

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