Opposition MP Figueira supports removal of tolls from Wismar Bridge

See statement from Opposition Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira:

Infrastructure Development must serve as a ladder out of poverty and not a barrier.

Every action and decision made to make the lives of our people better is welcomed.

The president’s recent announcement of free tolls for all tolled bridges in the country, including the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge in my constituency, is a decision I strongly endorse and support. This was a call I made during my 2025 budget presentation in January, where I advocated for its implementation well before the completion of the new four-lane bridge currently under construction.

I see the president’s decision as magnanimous and mature, accepting positions that will bring greater relief to the people, even if from an opposition member. More such decisions should be taken with several other opposition proposals. This decision underscores a willingness to prioritize public welfare over short-term fiscal gains.

Many have argued, and some still hold the view that it is unfair having to pay two separate tolls within a mile radius of each other in Linden, which is incongruous to all citizens’ access and freedom to traverse all parts of the country. This double toll situation which has been existence for several years, only in Linden, has had the unfortunate negative effect of increased prices on goods and services, especially for residents on the Wismar shore and the interior communities.

Some impacted products and services are involuntarily denied to residents on the western shore and beyond, because of some businesses not wanting to, or able to, pay twice, especially the Council’s Kara Kara toll which is pegged at several thousands of dollars per truck added to additional bridge toll cost.

By eliminating regressive financial barriers to mobility, the policy alleviates immediate economic burdens on citizens, specifically Lindeners and interior residents, and catalyzes the potential for long-term inter community and regional development in commerce, trade, tourism, manufacturing, and other economic investments.

Toll removal is a progressive economic strategy that directly benefits low – and middle-income households. Tolls function as regressive taxes, disproportionately affecting those for whom daily bridge crossings are essential for employment, education, healthcare, and commerce. For instance, a 2021 World Bank study on transportation equity found that tolls consume up to 10% of monthly income for low-wage workers in developing economies, exacerbating poverty cycles.

By abolishing these fees, the policy redistributes disposable income to households, enabling greater participation in local economies. Small businesses, particularly in sectors like logistics, transport, retail, and agriculture, stand to gain from reduced operational costs and expanded market access.

In the case of Linden, therefore, where the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge serves as a lifeline, residents are bound to feel tangible relief from this decision.

To address valid concerns over lost municipal revenues, proactive fiscal reforms are essential. I would respectfully suggest to the government, to foster greater benefit, employment and economic benefits to the people of Linden and the municipal council; that the current proposals by the council for the establishment of new commercial/economic zones in several communities where people can sell their produce and services, be accepted and approved.

Amelia’s Ward, for example, is the largest community in Linden and arguably in the region, yet it doesn’t have a market nor an officially designated space for commercial engagements.

Additionally, on the Linden to Lethem corridor and, more specifically, in the domain of the council or somewhere else, an industrial and manufacturing zone should be established with a proposed rate payable to the council.

The Linden Municipal Council and all other municipalities would be in a better position with augmented subventions from the national coffers to suit the growing population needs and the projected economic growth potential yearly for each township.

If the government holds firm on not allowing for increases of taxes through property revaluation, then they should allow for reforms to be introduced that allow for exponential reach of municipal tax jurisdictions within the ever-expanding municipalities.

For example, there are several communities within Linden, including new schemes and newly regulated areas, that have long been exempt from property and business taxes.

Bringing these areas under municipal tax jurisdiction, even at present rates, will significantly increase revenues for the council, and in the case of Linden, effectively augment its revenue base in lieu of toll revenue loss from the Wismar/Mackenzie bridge.

Communities such as Block 22, Phase B Wisroc, Backroad West Watooka, the larger extension of Amelia’s Ward, and other areas will provide a sustainable revenue stream without imposing excessive financial burdens on residents.

Those said communities in its present status are equally in need of municipal services such as garbage collection, which they presently pay private operations. Hence, the council can equally provide such service at a reduced or similar cost, adding to its revenue base.

The President’s decision reaffirms a timeless truth: that infrastructure exists not as a revenue stream but as a conduit for human dignity and collective advancement. Free the toll for the greater benefit of the majority.