Heavy-duty trucks temporarily banned from some South Rupununi roads

Residents of South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), on Wednesday secured a temporary ban on heavy-duty trucks using sections of the region’s road network, following growing concerns over severe road damage and a confrontation between community members and truck operators.
The decision was announced by the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) after 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 (RMA), and SRDC Chairman Nicholas Fredericks.

According to the SRDC, residents have become increasingly frustrated over the condition of roads in South Rupununi, which they said has rapidly deteriorated due to the continued movement of heavy-duty trucks.
In a statement posted on its social media page, the council said the roads serve as critical links for communities, providing access to schools, healthcare facilities, businesses and other essential services.
The council noted that concerns about the damage had been raised repeatedly, but residents felt there had been insufficient action to address the issue. As a result, community members confronted truck drivers on Wednesday morning in an effort to draw attention to the situation.
The SRDC alleged that some residents were met with disrespect from truck operators during the confrontation, which it said further heightened tensions.
Following discussions among government officials, regional authorities and community representatives, several measures were agreed upon.
Effective immediately, heavy-duty trucks will no longer be permitted to use the affected road network. Small vehicles will continue to have access.
The RDC is expected to deploy two excavators from Thursday to begin repairs on damaged sections of the road between Katoonarib and Sawarab. The RMA is also expected to deploy two additional excavators on Saturday to support rehabilitation efforts.
The restriction on heavy-duty vehicles will remain in place until road repairs have advanced sufficiently and both officials and community representatives are satisfied that the roads can safely accommodate such traffic.
The latest developments follow an earlier appeal by the SRDC on May 18, when it called on operators of heavy-duty vehicles and machinery to avoid using the back road from Karaudarnau to Katoonarib.
At the time, the council warned that continued use of the route by heavy equipment was causing rapid deterioration and creating challenges for residents, commuters and nearby communities. It urged drivers, contractors and companies to act responsibly to help preserve the road.
Meanwhile, the Natural Resources said Wednesday’s meeting in Lethem was held in keeping with a commitment made by President Dr Irfaan Ali.
The Ministry stated that discussions focused on road maintenance in the Deep South of Region Nine, with machinery and other equipment to be provided to support rehabilitation efforts.
The Government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and the GGMC, said it will continue working with regional authorities, the RMA and the SRDC to ensure the maintenance of roads in the South Rupununi.
Also attending the meeting were Regional Executive Officer Karl Singh, Regional Chairwoman Vania Albert and GGMC Deputy Commissioner (Technical) Jimmy Christian.