PNCR Condemns PPP Over Wismar Bridge Toll Removal, Linden’s Economic Struggles

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has sharply criticised the PPP government for its delayed and inadequate response to the Linden Town Council (LTC) regarding the removal of the Wismar Bridge toll. In a statement, the PNCR noted that while the Linden Town Council had demanded a meeting to discuss the toll’s removal, it should have been the government’s responsibility to initiate such discussions months ago.

The party accused the government of acting without proper planning and of consistently undermining opposition-controlled local government councils, a tactic they believe will continue to fail as people see through the PPP’s political maneuvers.

The PNCR clarified that neither the Linden Town Council nor the party opposes the removal of the toll itself, acknowledging that financial relief for the people is deserved. However, the party raised serious concerns about the government’s failure to communicate how it will address the projected $70 million annual shortfall that will result from the toll’s removal. The PNCR emphasised that such a significant decision should have been made after thorough consultation with all stakeholders, particularly the LTC.

The party further stressed that the removal of the toll, without any clear compensation plan, will severely impact the ability of the Linden Town Council to maintain essential services such as garbage collection, road repairs, and drainage maintenance. The LTC is already facing a 50% staff shortage, which exacerbates the problem.

Linden residents, according to the PNCR, are questioning the real benefits of removing the toll if it leads to worsened living conditions due to a lack of resources for critical municipal functions. The party argued that a responsible government would ensure no collateral damage to the public when implementing such changes.

The PNCR further highlighted the contrast in the PPP’s handling of infrastructure matters, pointing to the Berbice River Bridge, where PPP supporters will be compensated for their investment through funds allocated in the 2025 budget.

Linden/Region 10 is a stronghold of the PNCR, and for decades it has faced the brunt of the PPP government’s economic marginalisation, the statement pointed out. Once a prosperous bauxite mining town with the nation’s most skilled artisans, Linden has now been reduced to a depressed community due to discriminatory economic policies that have left the region in decline.

The PNCR has vowed to closely monitor the situation, demanding swift decisions that serve the best interests of the people of Linden and their elected representatives, the statement said.