Opposition urges Govt to respond to truckers’ concerns

Economic, road woes

The Office of the Leader of the Opposition is urging Government to respond to the concerns of truckers traversing Guyana’s hinterland region, so as to bring some relief to them.
The Opposition has said that Government should respond to these concerns through its various agencies, and that the Public Infrastructure Ministry should try to fulfill its obligations by ensuring adequate access to all hinterland communities.
The group was assured by Leader of the Opposition that he and his team are willing, ready, and able to champion the just causes of this and every group that requires representation.
Jagdeo met with the group of owners and operators of trucks which provide essential services to various communities, and a number of concerns were aired. The truckers told the Opposition Leader that they are looking for a fair opportunity to access jobs with the Government of Guyana. They also raised a number of other concerns.
One was the length of time, approximately three months, to obtain a National Insurance Scheme (NIS) compliance; and when obtained, same expires in one month.
Also discussed was the impact the inability to work is having on families, more particularly women and children; the huge cost to have supplies reach hinterland communities when trucks are unable to provide this service.
The $150 per pound for airfreight, while its $12 per pound via trucks; and the discriminatory imposition of the toll at Linden.
Another concern was the willingness of truck owners to engage Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in areas where they reside, to engage in orderly parking when their trucks are out of the interior.
Truckers also raised concerns about the deplorable state of roads and bridges, which is depriving them of the opportunity to work and bringing hardships to miners and other hinterland communities.
Highlighted at the meeting specifically was the road to Olive Creek, and more particularly its condition between Itaballi and Pappy Show in Region Seven.