Attendance at the annual Lethem rodeo could be affected by the Linden blockade which has already shut down repairs to the hinterland trail.
Insufficient fuel and rations have resulted in the stoppage of road works on the Mabura-Lethem roadway by contractors Mekdeci Machinery and Construction Inc (MMC).
Since the blockade of the Mackenzie-Wismar bridge, several companies involved in hinterland projects, including Omai Gold Mines, have either had to scale down or cease operations as their supplies dwindled.
MMC, one of the companies undertaking works in the region, has been forced to stop work and will be unable to complete portions of the Lethem trail in time for the annual Rupununi rodeo this weekend.
Contacted by Stabroek News yesterday, MMC Official, Carl Morgan confirmed that work had been stopped as the firm had run out of fuel about five days ago.
The machines have all been parked and the company is looking to Annai to get food for the workers.
This fuel shortage, other sources said, was affecting the company’s ferry service at Kurupukari.
This was however not critical since not many vehicles had been able to access the road since the blockade.
Morgan further noted that work on the road to Bartica had also been affected with the likelihood of delays in the schedule.
Meanwhile President of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohamed Khan said that bookings at his hotel, Lethem’s Savannah Inn had suffered a 20-25% decrease.
A group of 27 persons called to cancel yesterday as the situation in Linden had not changed.
Others were still hoping for a resolution to allow them to travel to the community and some have switched to booking flights.
He said the closure of the bridge had resulted in food and fuel stocks being depleted with several trucks stranded.
He however acknowledged that plans were continuing to hold the event which has been taking place for over half a century. The Ministry of Tourism was making provisions for the Moco Moco hydropower station to supply electricity to the ground. Additionally the event, which is being sponsored by Carib Beer, will see water being provided to the ground via a well developed through a German government grant.