The  Alliance For Change (AFC)  is calling for  a more expansive and consultative  approach  to the development of Region Nine and the communities there in light of the opening of the Takutu Bridge and the expected increase in  road traffic and the benefits and difficulties that will arise.

The party said in a release yesterday that “government’s failure to think and act strategically will result in missed opportunities and possible confusion that will be difficult to undo.”

The AFC recalled that in April 2009  it had taken  the foreign minister to task for what it called  government’s mishandling of the Takutu Bridge opening when the ceremony organized by community leaders  and officials was condemned  by the foreign ministry, and travel across the bridge from the Guyana side was barred.

The party  contended that  the decision  would have caused unnecessary tension with Guyana’s  friendliest neighbour  while dislocating and discommoding  residents of the border communities on either side of the Takatu River.

By preventing travel  across the bridge, the AFC said,  the residents of Lethem and Guyanese generally were being punished  for the mistakes of the government of Guyana and this was wrong.

The AFC  said it is now satisfied that the government “has heeded its advice by agreeing to open  the bridge as we suggested, so that the residents of Lethem and Bon Fim in particular could have easy access to each other’s communities while the details for the formal and more ceremonial opening are being worked out.”

According to the AFC   the government generally  “has not dealt with the bridge issue and its consequential  effects very well.”

However, the party added,  it is good to know that the government “is prepared to accept advice from time to time on issues that are in the people’s best interest.”