Allicock raises idea of Kurupukari Bridge with PM

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock has pitched the idea of a bridge across the Essequibo River at Kurupukari along with an attached  hydro-electric generating facility to power the bridge, nearby communities and the Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre.

Allicock’s idea was raised with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during a two-day visit to Regions 8 and 9 where they met with residents in several villages including Annai, Surama and Fairview.

A release from the Office of the Prime Minister said that Allicock, who is from Surama in Region 9, took Nagamootoo and a team on an Essequibo river survey in proximity of the Kurupukari Crossing to explain the idea in detail.

The Kurupukari Crossing (Office of the Prime Minister photo)
The Kurupukari Crossing (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

Allicock told the Prime Minister that a possible bridge design can be in three sections across the river, bridging the two nearby islands. The release said that he also suggested that the bridge could include a viewing platform for tourists as the nearby rapids could be marketed as a tourist attraction.

Currently persons travelling the Linden/Lethem Trail cross the Essequibo River, at Kurupukari, by a river ferry operated by a private company.

The stalled project for the Amaila Falls Hydropower project had envisaged pontoons to cross the river at Kurupukari

Nagamootoo and Allicock were also briefed on the ongoing works to extend the airstrip at Fairview. The extension is being done to allow for larger aircraft to land which will provide easier access by tourists to the Iwokrama River Lodge.

At the conclusion of the meeting with residents of Fairview, the Prime Minister made donations of solar LED lights to assist children of the community to study at nights, along with books and sports gear.