Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat stated that the roads in Guyana’s mining districts will be repaired after the heavy rainfall subsides. He provided this update during an interview with Demerara Waves Online News on Friday.
According to Minister Bharrat, President Irfaan Ali has formed a committee to conduct an assessment aimed at addressing the road conditions once the rain eases. This committee includes representatives from various ministries, including natural resources, public works, agriculture, Amerindian affairs, and local government and regional development.
Minister Bharrat acknowledged the challenges of undertaking road repairs during the rainy season, emphasizing that the situation will be addressed once conditions improve. His comments came in response to a public appeal from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), which has urged authorities to prioritize road repairs.
The GGDMA expressed concerns that continued heavy rainfall could lead to a decline in gold production, particularly given the current high prices in the global market. The association noted that many roads and waterways in several gold mining areas have become impassable.
While there is no immediate statistical projection regarding the impact of the adverse weather on gold production, GGDMA Managing Director Avalon Jagnandan indicated that ongoing poor weather and unaddressed road conditions could negatively affect production levels. He highlighted that miners are struggling to access their work sites and obtain essential supplies for their camps, which could hinder operations.
Additionally, the GGDMA reported that the heavy rains have forced several operators to close their camps due to flooding, rendering the areas unworkable. The association specifically mentioned the severe conditions along the Puruni River, where flooding has made the natural river channel indistinguishable from surrounding lands. This situation has led to the suspension of pontoon crossings in the area, further limiting access and disrupting mining activities.
Source: demerarawaves.com
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