| Contrary to popular belief, the Mackenzie/ Wismar Bridge , which was built in the late 1960s in Linden,Sac �� Dos Kanken 16l, then known as Mackenzie, was not the first bridge to span the Demerara River .This distinction went to the “Hope Bridge”.This bridge was constructed in 1939 to facilitate the transportation of bauxite from Hope on the West Bank of the Demerara River, to Akyma on the opposite side of the river.It was erected some 14 miles upstream, from where the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge now stands.Like the latter, the Hope Bridge was also fitted with railway tracks, as bauxite in those days was transported by ore cars pulled by steam/diesel locomotives on rails.The bridge would later be dismantled and transported to Linden , where it was used in the construction of the present Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge.Certain components of the Hope bridge were however, left standing on both banks of the Demerara River, serving as important landmarks, until quite recently when dealers in scrap metal, decided to make some money by “uprooting’ the historical landmark, and disposing of it for a price!The Mackenzie/ Wismar BridgeLike its predecessor, was also constructed to facilitate the movement of bauxite, as more new mines had been established on the west bank. Only this time around, the mines were located lower down stream.Unlike the Hope Bridge, however, which was constructed several miles from the bauxite plant, the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge was constructed in close proximity to the bauxite plant wharf at Mackenzie, to afford easy access to the huge bauxite ships that moor there to collect the precious ore for international markets.However, bauxite ore cars do not traverse this important piece of infrastructure today, as huge hauling trucks are being used to move bauxite across the river.Nonetheless, the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge today plays a vital role in connectivity between the southern parts of Guyana and the capital city, Georgetown.But also just as important, the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge, literally bridges the divide (river) between the two “villages” from whence it got its name, making life easier for motorists and other commuters within the mining town of Linden. It is also an important carriageway, to the Linden Hospital Complex.I cannot imagine, or remember what life was like before this important piece of infrastructure was established; but it definitively could not have been easy with just the small ferry boats, as the only means to get to the other side of this town, which happens to be the only one in Guyana, that has a river running smack through the middle! (Enid Joaquin) |
