Government is examining the possibility of making users of certain interior roads pay a toll to help with much needed maintenance. This is according to Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn.
He was at the time speaking on August 26 at a meeting at Sleep-In Hotel in Georgetown on the current lumber shortage. That meeting was attended by timber concessionaires, contractors, architects and others linked to the building and construction industry.
Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn
Concessionaires have said that one of the challenges they face is the condition of roads used to transport timber. Benn indicated that government has a vested interest in protecting the state of the interior roads. He suggested that those concerned should utilise river transport more, as that is one way to overcome the hurdle of poor roads in the hinterland.
According to Benn, some Gy$2.2 billion had been spent to maintain interior roads over the last several years.
“We have been considering and have received many requests for the conversion of these roads into “toll roads”, particularly because of irresponsible or reckless use of the roads by operators,” Benn pointed out.
He explained that the tolls collected would be used to maintain the structures and ensure they are user-friendly. This is all in keeping with discussions for improving the supply chain in the construction industry, as the country faces a serious problem of shortage of lumber.
Minister Benn also told his audience that players in the lumber industry needed to ensure they implement the necessary measures that will guarantee longer life of wood products.
He also suggested encouraging the use of other species of timber which were more readily available.
Greenheart production is low, especially in newer concessions, and Benn encouraged concessionaires to look at scientific ways to improve growth in the high-demand species of lumber.
Also addressing the gathering was Forestry Minister Robert Persaud, who acknowledged the expansion of the local construction sector and the heavy exportation of timber.
He revealed that after last Monday’s meeting with stakeholders, the ministry was able to get a consignment of lumber for local consumers.
However, the minister noted that the actual amount needed locally remains unknown.
“We believe that we have enough and adequate concessions available and [they] are in the hands of operators to satisfy our local demand; so it is not an issue of availability of areas to carry out forest activities,” Persaud added. As such, the factors hampering expanded production need to be addressed. “It is glaring to all of us that there is that ability for us to produce more for the local market.” The agriculture minister, in an attempt to reassure concessionaires, stated that only 28 per cent of the country’s capacity to produce timber is being exploited.
He calmed fears that the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is restricting increased production – a view expressed by many.
According to Persaud, before the end of this year, government will be reallocating Timber Sales Agreements and more than 100 State Forest Permits not being used.
Forest Products Development and Marketing Association Chairman Rajnarine Singh, speaking briefly at the forum, said there are severe repercussions if a solution is not found soon.
