Work on Lethem road going ahead smoothly -Morgan
Stabroek News
February 27, 2004
Work on the Mabura/Lethem roadway is continuing unhindered with attention currently being focused in an area between Annai and Mentizero, approximately halfway to Lethem.
Mekdeci Machinery & Construction Inc (MMC) Manager, Col Carl Morgan (rtd) contacted by Stabroek News yesterday said that work on the roadway was proceeding smoothly and everything is "first class".
According to Morgan, "people should have a cool ride in for Rodeo," and would not be obstructed to any extent by the weather.
The rodeo, an annual festival held in the border community of Lethem in the Rupununi over the Easter weekend allows ranchers to showcase their horseback skills along with the ability to herd cattle.
Morgan does not anticipate rain slowing the progress of remedial works on the road before they reach Lethem. Extensive rainfall is not expected in that area until late May or early June.
Meanwhile, Morgan says calls by the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) for a waiver of charges at the Kurupukari ferry crossing are misplaced and ill-conceived.
He pointed to reductions in the ferry charges as well as increases in the frequency with which fuel reaches the border community, impacting positively on its price.
He further alluded to the frequency with which vehicles of all descriptions are currently using the laterite roadway, including some minibuses.
Morgan's remarks follow comments from the RCCI in yesterday's edition of the Stabroek News, signalling their intention to begin lobbying MMC to waive the $25,000 toll on trucks using the Kurupukari crossing to transport fuel to Lethem.
According to Morgan the improved state of the roadway will also contribute to reductions in the price for fuel.