Some 2,000 residents living in the Amerindian community of Wakapao, Lower Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will soon benefit from the construction of a 68-foot walkway bridge to be built across one of their main waterways and its swampy surroundings.
During the symbolic signing of the contract, Region Two Regional Executive Officer (REO) Devanand Ramdatt related that the project was awarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), and will be overlooked by the Works Committee. Approval of the project was granted by the Cabinet.
Village Toshao Lloyd Pereira signing the contract in the presence of REO Devanand Ramdatt, Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit
The contract has been awarded to Wakapao Toshao Lloyd Pereira to the tune of $3,679,130. The construction is expected to commence within months.
Speaking with key stakeholders, Ramdatt called on Toshao Pereira to ensure that he delivers quality work, while adding that he is grateful for a proper walkway in Wakapao that would provide safe movement for residents from one point to the next.
Ramdatt also noted that the walkway would benefit residents in the provision of transportation; prevent parents, especially pregnant mothers, from walking long distances; and afford safe movement across the waterways. He also said students, who otherwise would walk 3 miles by way of an alternative route to get to school, would benefit from the bridge.
Meanwhile, Pereira added that he is very thankful for the prompt development, because the surrounding was a large wetland over the past years. He said the bridge was made from round logs that became hazardous, especially for elderly folks utilising the walkway.
“It is quite an important kind of development that we are going to see in Wakapao… Pregnant mothers and elders are going to benefit from safe movement across the main waterways that were facilitated by round posts. The logs are a serious risk because if anyone slips or loses balance they will fall into the water,” Toshao Pereira said.
Pereira has extended gratitude to the Regional Administration for the timely intervention that would benefit some 2,000 residents and also facilitate more conducive and safer movement across the waterways.
