After temporary ban on heavy-duty trucks – Rupununi Miners Association begins repairs on damaged roads

Efforts to restore sections of the damaged road network in South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), are now underway, with the Rupununi Miners Association (RMA) deploying heavy-duty equipment to carry out repairs.
According to an update from the region, two sets of heavy machinery are currently working to address damaged sections of the roadway. The temporary repairs have already improved accessibility, allowing small vehicles to traverse the affected areas with greater ease.
The repair works come days after residents of South Rupununi secured a temporary ban on heavy-duty trucks using sections of the region’s road network amid concerns about extensive road deterioration.
On June 10, the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) announced that heavy-duty vehicles would not be permitted to use the affected roads temporarily, following an urgent meeting involving Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, regional officials, representatives of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Rupununi Miners Association, and SRDC Chairman Nicholas Fredericks.

Residents had raised concerns that continued use of the roads by heavy-duty trucks was causing significant damage to critical transportation links connecting communities to schools, health facilities, businesses and other essential services.
The issue escalated after residents confronted truck operators in an effort to draw attention to the deteriorating condition of the roads. The SRDC had reported that tensions increased following allegations that some residents were treated disrespectfully during the encounter.
Following discussions among Government officials, regional authorities and community representatives, it was agreed that heavy-duty trucks would be temporarily barred from using the affected roads while rehabilitation efforts progressed. Small vehicles were permitted to continue using the routes.
At the time, the RDC had committed to deploying two excavators to begin repairs on damaged sections between Katoonarib and Sawarab. The RMA also pledged to provide two additional excavators to support the rehabilitation works.
The latest update confirms that the association has followed through on that commitment, with machinery now actively engaged in repairing damaged sections of the roadway.
The restriction on heavy-duty vehicles is expected to remain in effect until repairs have advanced sufficiently and authorities, together with community representatives, determine that the roads can safely accommodate such traffic once again.