Lethem trail to become operable soon – Minister Patterson

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson has indicated that the flood-damaged Linden-Lethem trail will be reopened soon.

Speaking to media operatives yesterday at the National Toshao Council Conference, Minister Patterson explained that the contracts are already out for works on the road.

“The contract is for a year so it will be from this year Jun 1st to June 1st next year. So, we’ll try to ensure there is continued use of the road so the aim is to ensure that there is a contractor on the road.”

Intense rainfall in the last few months has damaged the road making it impassable. This resulted in a temporary bypass being carved out along the Linden to Lethem trail, to allow for the crucial supply of fuel and other commodities, and to allow persons to reach the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo district.

The construction of a highway from Linden-Lethem is much closer to reality. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the construction by the Guyanese and Brazilian governments will be ready in August.

Minister Patterson said that the project is much anticipated and this agreement will focus on fulfilling that promise to Guyanese.

Phase one of the project covers approximately 125 kilometres of the road (Linden to Mabura Hill) and also includes a bridge across the Kurupukari River. Guyana secured funding from the British Government through its UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) programme to complete the design. The contract for this consultancy will be awarded shortly.

By: Ranetta La Fleur.