Takutu River Bridge to be Opened 7 Days a Week

18th of February, 2022. Region 9, Guyana, South America

Residents of Region 9, Guyana, South America and neighboring Brazil have once again breathed a sigh of relief after the Lethem Town Council announced today that the greenlight has been given for the Takutu River Bridge to be open the full seven days of the week. Up to today, the bridge was only opened for commuters from Monday to Friday. However, the Lethem Town Council said today that the bridge will now be opened from Sunday to Sunday.

The Takutu River Bridge had been closed to all cross-border activities around April 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It remained closed for one year with concessions only for merchandise to come over from Brazil every Thursday. This eventually led to a protracted protest action by Brazilian residents who wanted to be able to do business with Lethem. After much negotiations, the authorities on both sides allowed for a Monday to Friday opening of the Bridge for vaccinated persons.

Today, 18th of February, 2022, life has taken one more step to normalcy for residents of Region 9 as the bridge will once again be opened 7 days per week. Existing literally a footstep away from each other, the neighboring towns of Lethem, Guyana, and Bonfim, Brazil share deep cultural ties. Further, Region 9 residents travel often into Brazil and Brazilians often visit Region 9 for both business and personal activities.