Dear Editor,
The evolution of the Linden Highway is an open secret. The completion of this road has brought with it greater challenges for motorists and pedestrians. Trucks, cars, motorcycles and heavy-duty vehicles traversing the highway have increased by over 500 per cent over the past decade.
Dozens of sawmills, stone stockpiles and numerous fenced-off operations of unknown purpose have been established along the Linden Highway by individuals reportedly connected to friends and families of the PPP, adding to congestion and compromising safety standards, particularly for those driving at night.
While these activities continue, the darkness along the highway and the lack of adequate police patrols further undermine road safety. Equally concerning is the absence of effective reflectors and proper road signage.
It is almost as though this road was completed in haste, or someone was forced to get it done, with little consideration given to the safety standards and mechanisms necessary to protect the travelling public.
The relevant authorities must urgently address these concerns. There must be proper lighting, adequate reflectors, visible road signage and increased police patrols along the highway. The activities taking place along the roadway must also be examined to determine whether they are contributing to congestion and compromising public safety.
The Ministry of Public Works and the Guyana Police Force must not wait until more lives are lost before taking action. A completed highway must also be a safe highway. Motorists and pedestrians deserve better, and the public should not have to risk their lives using a major roadway that lacks basic safety measures.
The authorities must act now, before preventable accidents turn these concerns into another tragedy.
Yours truly,
Troy Glasgow
