According to a press release, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has received numerous complaints from the Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) that persons are being charged a toll when traversing through the Linden community en route to the interior locations.
The press release stated that the Ministry is aware of the toll charged at the Wismar-McKenzie Bridge and has not been notified of any other toll booth being established in any other location.
“In this regard, the Ministry wishes to advice persons affected, that a letter was written to the Ministry of Public Works & Communications and the Ministry of Local Government & Regional Development for guidance and clarification on this matter,” the Ministry stated.
According to the Ministry, in the light of the current decline in gold prices being experienced in the mining industry, the GGDMA is of the opinion that the charge of additional tolls is seen as unnecessary at this point in time.
“The mining industry has been trying assiduously to reduce its expenditures in order to remain viable and the levying of toll charges serves to negate their efforts.”
The Ministry promised to pursue this matter.
