A bridge used by several communities in the North Rupununi, Region Nine, was destroyed by fire and regional authorities are of the belief that it was an act of arson.
Regional Executive Officer (REO) Carl Parker told Stabroek News that the destruction of the bridge was reported by a toshao. He explained that the regional council immediately mobilised to rebuild the bridge given its importance to the communities.
The communities of Yupukari, Marakanata, Quatata, Fly Hill, Kaicumbay, and Katoka all use the bridge to access Lethem.
Parker noted that from the debris, the council was able to conclude that the fire was deliberately set to the bridge as the supporting structure and decking boards were all destroyed. There was no evidence of a “wildfire,” he said, before adding, “What made us conclude that it was an act of arson is the fact that discarded materials from previous rehabilitations were not touched.”
According to Parker, the bridge is particularly vital during the rainy season when surrounding areas are flooded.
“We are starting to have the rains now. It is falling in South and South Central Rupununi but it hasn’t reached to the north as yet. If the rain catches us, residents will have to use an alternative trail which is longer and more difficult. We want to finish this bridge before the rains come,” he said.
The new bridge, Parker added, will be built with concrete support and a wooden deck. The bridge is estimated to cost some $15 million, according to the engineer’s calculations.
