The road was partially closed on 23 August, but a full traffic ban now applies. According to Bronne, water from the Wakaikanaal is flowing across the roadway at several low-lying sections of the road, making certain parts impassable. As a result, vehicles regularly get stuck.
To remedy the situation, repair work is currently being carried out. The district commissioner’s office is working together with Openbare Werken en Ruimtelijke Ordening (OWRO) and Landbouw, Veeteelt en Visserij (LVV) for this purpose. The embankment along the low-lying sections is being raised and reinforced to prevent water from flowing over the road again.
According to the district commissioner, the full closure is necessary to carry out the work safely, smoothly and without interruptions. It is not yet clear how long the work will take. Bronne hopes that the road can be reopened as soon as possible.
Road users will be turned back
Bronne urgently appeals to the public to respect the closure. Persons who drive in the direction of Wakai or Southdrain despite the ban will be required to return. No exceptions will be permitted. “The closure will remain in force until the repair work has been fully completed and the road has been declared safe and properly passable again,” the district commissioner emphasises.
Alternative route to Apoera
Travellers wishing to go to Apoera can use the Zanderij–Apoera route, with the crossing possible at Witagron. In addition, according to Bronne, a speedboat from the Nationale Vervoermaatschappij (NVB) is available for residents of Apoera who urgently need to travel to Nickerie. The district commissioner stresses that the closure of the Wakai–Southdrain road does not mean that Apoera has been cut off from the outside world. “The people of Apoera are not isolated,” Bronne said.
