A Division to look into the matter – Hicken

Bridge extortion

Commander of the Police A Division ((Georgetown-East Bank Demerara), Clifton Hicken has said motorists in Albouystown being financially extorted to gain access to their street was a criminal act and steps would be taken to address the illegality.

Hicken, speaking to Guyana Times, disclosed that he was not aware of the criminal activity that was occurring in the community of Albouystown, despite two patrols being in the community.

“I will have a patrol stationed at the point – immediately – of where this activity is happening even if they have to be stationed there for 24 hours,” the A Division Commander remarked.

The Mayor and City Council over a month ago moved to block a dilapidated bridge at the junction of Sussex and Barr Streets in Albouystown, resulting in motorists allegedly being extorted to use the only other entrance for Barr Street.

The bridge, which had been erected some years ago, was in a deplorable state, posing a serious threat to motorists. The bridge is visibly sinking in the centre, while the sides appear broken.

The M&CC, early in June, took precautionary measures to have the bridge blocked, which the residents of Albouystown applauded after the Councillor of the Albouystown/Charlestown constituency, Malcolm Ferreira had reported it.

Now, the residents are complaining that the bridge has been blocked for too long and is now being used as an avenue for persons to make a dollar.

With the bridge being blocked, Barr Street is now left with one entrance that persons are reportedly cordoning off at nights and charging residents to enter and to exit the community.

Since the blocking of the bridge, no rehabilitation work has commenced. Residents said they were grateful for the consideration displayed by the M&CC to close the bridge to prevent any mishap, but were calling on the Council to begin repairs on the bridge immediately.

Guyana Times understands that despite the actions of the M&CC, many residents have reportedly opted to remove the blockage from the bridge to use it; however, the M&CC would subsequently return to ensure the bridge was once again blocked.

The City Engineer’s department disclosed that the sinking of the bridge was due to heavy vehicular traffic.