– Govt addressing significant traffic disruptions
The bridge is under construction
The Public Works Ministry on Thursday stated that the recent flooding in Rupununi has caused significant traffic disruptions due to the incomplete Pirara Bridge and the inundation of the bypass road and bridge.
“We understand the inconvenience this has caused to road users along this corridor and we are diligently working to resolve the situation,” the ministry stated in a release.
Efforts are underway to expedite the bridge’s completion and restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible, with an estimated completion date of Saturday, June 15, 2024.
Waters have recently started to recede, allowing light traffic to resume crossing along the bypass Bridge.
A section of Region Nine under water
“We urge drivers of light vehicles to exercise extreme caution when crossing. The Ministry also reiterates that under no circumstances should heavy vehicles attempt to cross the bypass Bridge.”
Severe storms in recent weeks have led to extensive flooding in the Savannahs, particularly along the Kurupukari–Lethem Corridor and at the Pirara Bridge site, severely disrupting traffic.
In response, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has provided immediate support with two boats to shuttle passengers between locations.
The Ministry has mobilised resources to construct a temporary timber decking over the new bridge to facilitate the crossing of both light and heavy traffic. Construction of this timber deck has commenced, with the remaining materials expected to be delivered by Thursday (June 13).
Just a few days ago, several other villages such as Nappi were inundated significantly, given that those areas are experiencing above-normal rainfall and water draining from nearby hills and mountains.
As a result, at least 20 persons in the region are displaced and have been relocated temporarily with relatives and/or friends.
Last month, several villages in Region Nine were underwater following the prolonged downpours.
Some of the most affected villages were Potarinau, South Central Rupununi, Aishalton, Parishara and Nappi Village. In addition to these villages, several bridges and roads were not accessible to vehicular traffic.
One such bridge was the Iwokrama Reserve, approximately 15 minutes away from the Kurupukari Crossing. In addition, the Pirara to Lethem Road was completely underway thus leaving scores of passengers stranded on both sides.
In light of these occurrences, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) dispatched a team to the affected areas to conduct thorough assessments. In addition, it handed over cleaning supplies to the regional authorities to be distributed to the residents.
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