Bridge at Kurupukari Crossing to be constructed in current 5-year mandate – Edghill

As works continue on the Linden–Lethem all-weather road, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill has assured that a bridge at the Kurupukari Crossing will be constructed within the current five-year term.
“We’ve already built out the bridges [along the Linden-Lethem trail]. The first phase of the road is under construction. The second phase of the road is being negotiated. The third and fourth phases of that road is under active consideration. The bridge across the Kurupukari is under active consideration and will be built out in this five-year term,” Edghill said during a live broadcast on Monday.

The construction of a bridge at the Kurupukari Crossing was first announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali while on the campaign trail. At present, vehicles travelling to and from Lethem must line up to cross the Essequibo River via a pontoon at the Kurupukari Crossing.
As the government moves to transform the existing Linden–Lethem dirt trail into an all-weather roadway, the proposed 600-metre bridge is expected to significantly improve the travel experience by creating a more seamless journey.
The Linden–Lethem project has been divided into several phases, with work on the first phase, from Linden to Mabura, already progressing. The government has stated that once completed, the project will reduce travel time between Linden and Lethem from more than 12 hours to approximately four hours, a development expected to greatly enhance trade with neighbouring Brazil.
This, Edghill emphasised, will create tremendous opportunities for citizens in those areas.
“You know what that means? There will be need for more restaurants, more service centres, hotels and motels so that truck drivers will be able to get stops, to get rest, to continue. Heavy duty vehicle mechanics to service these trucks if they have challenges while moving, gas stations, communities along that route will be able to make investments for greater economic activity,” he outlined.
Linden, in particular, the minister noted, is poised to benefit significantly, especially with works progressing on the new US$35 million Wismar-MacKenzie Bridge.
The 220-metre-long precast concrete bridge will significantly reduce traffic congestion and lengthy delays that have plagued commuters for years. This landmark development will mirror the design of the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge.
Noting that the bridge will be completed within its scheduled timeline by April 2026, Edghill noted that, “Region Ten should start preparing for the economic boom that is coming because once the traffic out of Brazil starts to flow, we can expect it’s coming through Region Ten.”
“The road from Ituni to Kumaka is already built. Major plantation type agriculture is taking place down the Berbice River. Trucks gotto come through, the produce gotto come through, the fertilisers have to go in. we gotto manage and prepare ourselves, and this is not in the ‘sweet, by and by’, this is in the 2025-2030-and 2030 and beyond programme that the President has spoken about,” Edghill said.
“Start positioning yourselves, start examining closely how you can participate…we must no longer be a on a hustle, you must be intentional, strategic and purpose driven,” he added.