Residents are frustrated with the present condition of the Parika-St. Lawrence main road

Please allow me space in your letters column to highlight the plight of residents using the main road from the Parika Junction to St Lawrence, East Bank Essequibo. The road has been in a deplorable condition for some time now, and the authorities seems quite unconcerned to address this problem, even though many of them use the road to access the resorts and other riverine areas.

Road users, especially motorists, are frustrated at the road’s present condition. In some areas, vehicles look as if they are submerged in a trench. Many persons complained that their vehicles were badly damaged, while navigating huge potholes. Pedestrians are also forced to walk in mud and huge potholes, to avoid the oncoming traffic. To date, no one has visited the residents, or provided any timeline of when the road will be fixed. Editor, visits only happen during elections’ time, the time when promises are made by politicians that they will return and look into the plight of residents. Once the political campaigns are over, they hardly ever return.

I should also mention that these are farming communities, and the farmers in this area contribute significantly to feeding the nation. There are also many loggers and sawmills in this area who contribute to the housing boom in the country. We believe that President Ali truly cares for Guyanese. We understand that he may not be fully aware of what is happening in every community. On behalf of all of the residents, I am therefore bringing this matter to his attention, with the hope that he will visit our area and get a better understanding of the problems we are facing, such as the condition of the road. I am attaching a photograph, taken a few days ago, so that you, the authorities, and readers in general, will have clarity on the present condition of the road.

Sincerely,

Robin Salim on behalf of hundreds of residents