The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) over a month ago blocked a bridge in a deplorable condition at the junction of Sussex and Barr Streets, Albouystown. That blockage is now resulting in motorists allegedly being extorted to use the only other entrance for Barr Street.
The bridge that had been erected years ago is in such a state that it poses serious threats to motorist. The bridge can be vividly seen sinking at its centre, while the sides appear to be collapsing. The M&CC early in June took precautionary measures to have the bridge blocked, which the residents of Albouystown had applauded after Councillor of the Albouystown/Charlestown constituency, Malcolm Ferreira had reported it.
The blocked bridge
Now, residents are complaining that the bridge has been blocked for too long, and is now being illegally used by persons to make a dollar. With the bridge blocked, Barr Street now has now one entrance that persons are reportedly cordoning off at nights and charging residents to enter and exit the community. Since the blocking of the bridge, no rehabilitation work has commenced.
Residents said that although they are grateful for the consideration displayed by M&CC to close the bridge to prevent any mishap, they are however calling on the M&CC to begin repairs immediately.
Guyana Times understands that despite the actions of the M&CC, many residents have reportedly opted to remove the blockage from in order to traverse but M&CC would return to block the bridge again.
The City Engineer’s department disclosed that the sinking of the bridge was due to heavy vehicular traffic.
