– regional chairman
Chairman of Region Nine (Upper Takutu /Upper Essequibo) Clarindo Lucas says infrastructural work is ongoing in the light of the impending opening of the Takutu Bridge.
According to Lucas, work is being done “around the clock” in Lethem to ensure that the community has the necessary infrastructure to deal with international traffic as the long-awaited link between Guyana and Brazil nears its opening.
The chairman said that the work being done includes making the Customs section “more advanced”. He said that efforts are being made to ensure that the buildings are properly equipped with phone lines, telephones and electricity and other necessities.
Lucas told this newspaper that the approach road to the bridge is now complete and that most of the Brazilians and their equipment have returned to Brazil. He explained that grass is being planted along the access road which would help prevent erosion. Lucas said that work will also be done on a section of the road leading to the access road so as to facilitate easier travel.
There are a few Brazilians who have remained to assist in the other work that needs to be done, the chairman said.
Lucas told Stabroek News that the work is expected to be completed shortly and after this it would be over to the relevant authorities of both Guyana and Brazil to decide on a date for the bridge to be officially opened.
The opening of the bridge has been some time coming with several previous proposed dates for its opening being postponed.
