Bridge built to link Laing Ave. to La Penitence
―Ministry of Communities constructs bridge linking the communities
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, September 12, 201
“Children from Albouystown go to West Ruimveldt Primary and this bridge is a great relief for them because, during rainy weather, people used have to hop and skip down the dam. So, now they have a bridge, they are happy.”
That was Roy Chapman, one of the Laing Avenue residents, who believes a recently constructed bridge that links Laing Avenue and La Penitence, will play a critical role in ensuring students get to school on time.
The $3M bridge, constructed through a joint effort between the Ministry of Communities and the Mayor and City Council, is the first of its kind for the community.
Aside from it providing access for students to and from school, several residents, including Chapman, benefitted from employment during the construction phase. As part of the contract, 50% of the labour had to be sourced from the two communities.
Donna Gittens, who has been living in the area for over 30 years, described the construction of the bridge as one of the best developments in the community to date. “The bridge is a good thing because it has joined the two communities. It has provided easy access over and through because, before, we had to walk right away round. This bridge was in the making for a very long time so we are glad, it has done this community well,” Gittens stated.
City Councillor responsible for the community that falls within Constituency 13, Trichria Richards said the construction of the bridge was a direct call from the residents. “Residents of the two communities had held consultations with us; asking for a bridge to be erected there. They said it would provide easier access between the two communities and the movement of goods and services. They are very happy about this particular development and the government is committed to ensuring that we provide services and infrastructural development in different communities,” Richards explained.
The councillor indicated that she will be collaborating with residents of the two communities to hear directly what other developments they need so she can address these promptly.
The construction of the bride is one of several infrastructural development projects currently ongoing around the capital city.