Wakapau islands linked by newly constructed timber bridge.

Mar 17, 2019 News

Two islands within the remote Arawak Community of Wakapau are now conveniently bridged, following the commissioning of a newly constructed timber bridge. The bridge which measures some 1,284 ft. in length, was yesterday commissioned by the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.
The design of the bridge is believed to be similar to the one commissioned in Akawini in 2017. The bridge is outfitted with solar lamps along with three benabs, and is secured by rails on both sides. It was constructed at a cost of $19,955,900.
Wakapau is an Arawak village with a population of 1,800 residents, located along the Wakapau River, a tributary of the Pomeroon River. The two islands which are now linked by the timber bridge are the Myrie and Borada Islands.

“The ribbon cutting ceremony during the commission yesterday.”

Prior to construction of the bridge, the residents of Borada experienced difficulty crossing over to Myrie Island, which is believed to be the hub of commercial activities.
One elderly woman told this publication, “This is one of our greatest dreams; this bridge will benefit our school children, our elderly, our clinic mothers and we the ones traversing day and night so we find it as a real pleasure.”
The islands of Myrie and Borada combined are believed to have a population of 346 persons.
The Toshao, Mr. Howard Cornelius, alluded to the fact that walking on the old bridge was quite challenging for most residents. He said that the bridge was narrow, slippery and dilapidated.

According to Minister Patterson, The project was done under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s River and Sea Defence programme. He also underlined the fact that the government’s objective is to ensure than everyone lives in comfort, noting that a similar bridge was constructed in Akawini in 2017.
The minister further explained the decision to have the Wakapoa Bridge constructed was made in July 2018. He also pointed out that during implementation, five to six million dollars worth of timber was purchased from right within the community.

“The newly constructed timber bridge.”

The Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Denis Jaikaran, said during his remarks, “Government would continue to care and support the people of Wakapoa.”
Jaikaran also pointed out that a number of Amerindian communities across the region would’ve benefitted tremendously from the government.
He went on to say, “Things will continue to happen. We will continue to engage you and will be by your side… Wakapoa, you have a duty to ensure that the bridge is maintained. I am pledging my support to ensure that we do whatever we can at the regional level.”
In addition, present at the commissioning of the bridge yesterday was Minister Sydney Allicock, the Minister of Indigenous People Affair and the Vice President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. During the commissioning, a grant of $2 million was handed to the Wakapoa community for the construction of a block-making factory.

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