Heavy vehicles restricted after fire damages Konawaruk Bridge
Smaller vehicles can still cross Konawaruk Bridge as repairs are arranged following a suspected arson attempt.
GEORGETOWN — Heavy-duty vehicles are facing restrictions at the Konawaruk Bridge in Region Eight after a fire damaged sections of the wooden structure, a major access route to and from Mahdia.
The bridge was discovered on fire on Monday, November 2. Police said people travelling along the trail managed to extinguish much of the blaze before officers arrived at about 7:15 a.m. The Guyana Fire Service was then called and extinguished the remaining burning debris.
The middle and left sections of the bridge were damaged, affecting the passage of heavy-duty vehicles. Smaller vehicles can still cross.
Police are investigating the fire as an alleged arson attempt. No arrests have been made.
Repairs to begin
On Tuesday, November 3, Region Eight's Regional Executive Officer, Martie De Souza, said work on the damaged bridge would begin immediately.
In a statement issued through the Regional Democratic Council, the region condemned the alleged arson attempt and warned that such activity could affect the livelihoods of people living in Mahdia and those travelling along the Mahdia–Georgetown route.
De Souza subsequently indicated that repairs would cover the entire bridge, rather than only the damaged decking, with work expected to take two to three days.
However, authorities have not confirmed a date for restoring unrestricted access to heavy-duty vehicles.
Freight movement
Heavy vehicles carry fuel, machinery, construction materials and other supplies to Mahdia and surrounding communities, including areas linked to mining.
A prolonged restriction could complicate the movement of goods along the route. No specific shortages, price increases or economic losses resulting from the bridge damage have been publicly confirmed.
