Earlier in the year 2025, Linden (a town in the country of Guyana) was in the thick of a political and economic storm. The elimination of Linden toll in the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge, a strategic route in the Upper Demerara-Berbice area, among others was however, received controversially by the government. As much as people in all quarters celebrated the move as a success to accessibility and affordability, local leaders cautioned that this could become a disaster to municipal services.
The article discusses the reasons why the Linden toll was removed, identifies the major stakeholders and what the impacts would be to the town in future.
What Is the Linden Toll?
Linden tolllines denote the payment of duties at the Kara Kara tollgate and Wismar/Mackenzie bridge that connects two major parts of the settlement. It was also a major source of revenue to Linden Mayor and Town council (LMTC) who utilized the money to foot the bills to run services like waste management, road repairs, salaries of its staff and development projects of the area.
Cars and in particular commercial trucks were charged a toll in order to access some areas of Linden, which would generate about G$70million (approximately 350,000 USD) every year.
Toll Removal Announcement
In March 2025, then-President Irfaan Ali said the tolls on 3 important bridges in Guyana, the Berbice Bridge, Demerara Harbour Bridge, and the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge in Linden, would be eliminated by August 1, 2025.
The choice was a component of the wider initiative to reduce the living standards, enhance access to transports, and increase the trade among Guyana regions. Most of the drivers and the small business owners of Linden celebrated the move, saying the tolls were not fair especially to those who commuted to work, school or delivery using the bridge.
Political Reactions and Local Government Pushback
As much as sections of the population received the news well, it elicited a worrying effect among the leaders of the local government and especially the Linden Mayor, Sharma Solomon.
According to Solomon and LMTC, the decision by the central government was made without due consultation with the town council although the same toll revenues financed the necessary services.
Eliminating the toll inflicts a devastating budget gap in our annual budget, Solomon said. Without it we cannot afford the garbage, road repairs and wages.
The dominating opposition party, Peopleâs National Congress Reform (PNCR), assailed the move because it held that the ruling Peopleâs Progressive Party (PPP) was sabotaging local governance and luring Linden into bankruptcy.
Economic Impact on Linden
The uprooting of the Linden toll is burdensome in terms of finance:
- Revenue Loss: It produced G$6 million monthly in tolls, which paid for essential services. That revenue is swept away with no direct substitute as yet.
- Service Disruptions: Junk collecting, street lights and clean-up in the neighborhoods might be scaled down or eliminated.
- Employment Concerns: A raise in the salaries of staff had been made in the LMTC. There might be no place to pay without the toll income and such cases might lead to loss of jobs or delay of payments.
Not all of those who at first cheered are losing their services are now questioning whether they are paying too big a price to have a toll-free bridge.
The Government’s Position
Following the backlash, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo admitted that discussions had to take place and promised to sit down with the Linden council in order to come up with a solution.
Jagdeo said they know the concerns of the mayor and are willing to discuss financial options.
Nonetheless, the government believes that the financial pain in the short-term is more than paid off by long-term benefits of good removal, which translate into lower cost of goods, improved connectivity and convenience during commuting.
Long-Term Plans: A New Bridge for Linden
Removal of the toll also is connected to an infrastructure project. A new Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge is also being constructed by the government and the bridge will be ready by 2026. This is a modern infrastructure that will enhance transportation and trade in Region 10 and it will be a free drive too.
This comes as welcome news to a majority of the residents. However, local leaders state that unless a new bridge is built, the continuous municipal budget has to be resolved.
Is There a Middle Ground?
It can be possible to find a sustainable solution to Linden, which needs collaboration between local and national stakeholders. Other ideas that have been floated out there include:
- Direct government subsidies of the LMTC compensating the lost toll revenue
- Other forms of taxing such as vehicle registration fees, or business taxation fees
- Between the roads, an infrastructure, maintenance should be funded by public-private partnerships
What is obvious though is that a town the size and with such strategic importance cannot afford to lose a major stream of revenue without anyone to replace it.
Public Opinion Remains Split
By the middle of 2025 the society is not united yet:
- The pro-troll-removal group insists the bridge should be enjoyed as a public good and the tolls itself fall unfairly on the working class and small business owners.
- According to toll supporters, they need user fees since trucks that pay no local taxes and heavy duty trucks are essential to maintaining the roads.
There is an additional philosophical argument of centralization versus local autonomy: Can the national government overrule those decisions that have a direct impact upon town budgets?
Conclusion: A Crucial Test for Linden’s Future
The Linden toll repeal is not simply a government policy trial, but a case study of how Guyana is cutting across national and local politics. With the town of Linden trying to live within a new financial reality, there is an urgent need to collaborate on solving problems.
Will there be enough governmental intervention? Is Linden able to be innovative in generating revenue? Will necessary services withstand no toll?
The outcome of these questions will determine the lives of thousands of residents and perhaps be the precedent of dealing with other towns in Guyana with the same situation.
