Bridges collapse, vehicles overturn on dangerous Linden/Lethem trail

Jun 02, 2018 News

A number of truck drivers and minibus operators plying the Linden/Lethem route may be grounded for awhile as the trail worsened overnight with heavy rainfall and flooding.
The weather caused massive deterioration along the trail. Mabura to Kurupukari, Lethem to Kwakwani among others that have been inundated with floodwaters and there are huge craters in the road.
Drivers plying these areas over the past days have encountered severe hardships. Two bridges are said to have collapsed and a few trucks have overturned.
There are no reports of any serious injuries but many are concerned about the risks.
Mohan Narine, a truck driver, said that coupled with the deplorable roadways drivers are now required to pay $5,000 extra to pass through Linden, a cost added to the stipulated $4,000 at the crossing.
He said that with the recent increase in fuel prices, it takes an additional $30,000 in fuel per trip. These conditions are not isolated to Region 10 alone.
Reports are also coming out from the West Berbice area where farm roads are filled with slush forcing farmers to abandon operations since it is impossible for them to bring out their produce. The same situation has been reported along farmlands and roads on the West Bank.
The weather forecast for the next week shows steady rainfall making matters worse for farmers and drivers plying the affected areas. Just a week ago, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure announced the possible signing of a contract for the rehabilitation of the Ituni-Kwakwani road. But concerns were raised that the trail needs a permanent solution because the rehabilitation works is a waste of money.
The trail will go bad again once the rain pours and creek waters rise. (Zaheer Khan)

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