Accidents on Linden Highway to be addressed – logging transportation process being reviewed – More consultations planned
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday May 15, 2018
Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams-Patterson-Yearwood, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, MP Jermaine Figueira, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Regional Chairman Renis Morian, and police officers met today to address the issue of accidents on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.
The discussion focused on measures to reduce the number of road accidents caused by logging trucks. Suggestions were put forward for markings on the 45-mile long Highway, a speed limit review, a provision of statistics by the police, and a meeting with the Loggers Association and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in the coming weeks.
Minister Broomes recommended that another meeting be held with key stakeholders, including Public Infrastructure Ministry officials and loggers, to gain their input. The Minister pointed out that the Forestry Commission’s role is to focus on the processing of logs which is currently being done in 24 hours cycle. This, she added, will be changed immediately.
MP Figueira called for the restriction of log transportation to certain hours.
Minister Adams Patterson Yearwood requested that at the next meeting ‘decision makers should be present not only representatives” and that the GPF provide statistics for the past years. She also suggested that the RDC and the Forestry Commission review the possibility of using the Demerara River as a means of transporting the logs.
There was a spate of accidents involving logging trucks, many of which were fatal, on the only road linking Linden to Soesdyke over the last several years. The government has previously voiced concerns and vowed to ensure that the roadways are safe for use for all road users.
By Zanneel Williams
Images courtesy of Derrick Bridgemohan