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The district of Commewijne is experiencing rapid development, bringing both economic opportunities and significant infrastructure challenges. Districtscommissaris (DC) Rajiv Ramsahai has emphasized the urgent need for long-term planning to address issues such as traffic congestion, the requirement for new bridge connections, and the expansion of public services. A primary concern for residents is the daily traffic congestion on the route to Paramaribo, particularly at the Wijdenbosch Bridge and its connection to the Van ’t Hogerhuysstraat. This route serves as a critical artery not only for Commewijne but also for traffic originating from Marowijne and other regions. Data from the Improvement, Transport, Logistics and Competitiveness in Suriname (ITLCS) project indicated that approximately 50,000 vehicles used the Van ’t Hogerhuysstraat daily during 2017 and 2018. Guido Koorndijk, a partner at the Baitali Group and member of the design team for the reconstruction of the Van ’t Hogerhuysstraat, identified the bridge’s connection to the street as a major bottleneck. To mitigate this, the government is working on a project to transform the street into a 2×3-lane road, replacing the current roundabout with an intelligent traffic light system. While the project has faced delays due to legal proceedings, work has resumed with an expected completion date of September 2027. Beyond road improvements, DC Ramsahai advocates for the construction of additional bridges over the Suriname River, suggesting locations such as Leonsberg, Boxel, and Paranam. While no formal decisions have been made, the DC argues that these connections are essential to support the district’s growing industrial and tourism sectors. Regarding the potential for a ferry service between Leonsberg and Nieuw-Amsterdam, Ramsahai noted that previous technical and infrastructure evaluations resulted in negative advice, citing the unsuitability of existing infrastructure in Nieuw-Amsterdam. Ramsahai also expressed concern regarding spatial planning and land distribution. He criticized past practices of land allocation, suggesting that agricultural land has been fragmented without sufficient consideration for long-term development or food security. He stressed that as the district prepares for the impact of the oil and gas sector, land use must be managed more strategically. The district’s growth is further complicated by limited public services. Ramsahai highlighted that public transportation remains inadequate, particularly for evening commuters and tourists. Furthermore, he noted that essential services, such as the fire department, are under-equipped; currently, only one fire truck is stationed in Tamanredjo. The DC stated that he is working to address these resource shortages across various government departments to ensure the district can sustain its rapid development. Article source: De Ware Tijd | Image credit: De Ware Tijd
The district of Commewijne is experiencing rapid development, bringing both economic opportunities and significant infrastructure challenges. Districtscommissaris (DC) Rajiv Ramsahai has emphasized the urgent need for long-term planning to address issues such as traffic congestion, the requirement for new bridge connections, and the expansion of public services. A primary concern for residents is the daily traffic congestion on the route to Paramaribo, particularly at the Wijdenbosch Bridge and its connection to the Van ’t Hogerhuysstraat. This route serves as a critical artery not only for Commewijne but also for traffic originating from Marowijne and other regions. Data from the Improvement, Transport, Logistics and Competitiveness in Suriname (ITLCS) project indicated that approximately 50,000 vehicles used the Van ’t Hogerhuysstraat daily during 2017 and 2018. Guido Koorndijk, a partner at the Baitali Group and member of the design team for the reconstruction of the Van ’t Hogerhuysstraat, identified the bridge’s connection to the street as a major bottleneck. To mitigate this, the government is working on a project to transform the street into a 2×3-lane road, replacing the current roundabout with an intelligent traffic light system. While the project has faced delays due to legal proceedings, work has resumed with an expected completion date of September 2027. Beyond road improvements, DC Ramsahai advocates for the construction of additional bridges over the Suriname River, suggesting locations such as Leonsberg, Boxel, and Paranam. While no formal decisions have been made, the DC argues that these connections are essential to support the district’s growing industrial and tourism sectors. Regarding the potential for a ferry service between Leonsberg and Nieuw-Amsterdam, Ramsahai noted that previous technical and infrastructure evaluations resulted in negative advice, citing the unsuitability of existing infrastructure in Nieuw-Amsterdam. Ramsahai also expressed concern regarding spatial planning and land distribution. He criticized past practices of land allocation, suggesting that agricultural land has been fragmented without sufficient consideration for long-term development or food security. He stressed that as the district prepares for the impact of the oil and gas sector, land use must be managed more strategically. The district’s growth is further complicated by limited public services. Ramsahai highlighted that public transportation remains inadequate, particularly for evening commuters and tourists. Furthermore, he noted that essential services, such as the fire department, are under-equipped; currently, only one fire truck is stationed in Tamanredjo. The DC stated that he is working to address these resource shortages across various government departments to ensure the district can sustain its rapid development.
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