The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is concerned over the Lethem Mayor’s alleged unilateral decision to remove a mechanism, which prevented heavy-duty vehicles from crossing the Moco Moco Bridge.
The Bridge, which links Lethem to St Ignatius over the Moco Moco Creek, was built to accommodate small vehicles such as cars, buses and small vans.
A resident showing where the bar was on the Moco Moco Bridge
A bar was placed over the Bridge in order to prevent large trucks and tractors from using the crossing, as there is a road larger vehicles can traverse. Regional Vice Chairman Karl Singh told Guyana Times that Mayor Carlton Beckles passed an order for the bar to be removed in order to facilitate the easier passage of a 30-seater bus, which was bought by the municipality to transport children to the St Ignatius Secondary School. According to the Vice Chairman, the Mayor made this decision without seeking permission from the RDC, which has oversight over the Bridge.
Singh also pointed out that the Mayor failed to consult with the Toshao of St Ignatius as the Bridge fell within the boundaries of that Amerindian community. The Vice Chairman is concerned about the Mayor’s bypass of the relevant authorities and about the Bridge’s exposure to destruction as a result of the passing of heavier vehicles.
“It would allow large and heavy-duty vehicles to cross the Bridge thus causing it to damage at a speedy rate. The Bridge was not designed for that weight,” Singh told this newspaper. The Vice Chairman explained that the RDC was not about keeping down any development; however, he said the Council would not condone the undermining of its functions and authority. “We really acknowledge the bus service; it would be of great benefit to the children. But, the issue is the Mayor’s actions on dismantling the bar without our permission,” Singh explained. (Devina Samaroo)
