By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News|
The Linden Mayor and Town Council is warning that the removal of the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge toll has placed the municipality under serious financial pressure, leaving City Hall struggling to meet key operational expenses and maintain services for residents.
Linden Mayor Dominique Blair has since written to President Irfaan Ali requesting urgent discussions on the matter.
In a letter dated May 12, 2026, the Linden Mayor and Town Council said the decision to remove the bridge toll was made without consultation with the municipality and without an alternative funding mechanism being put in place.
According to the Council, revenue from the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge toll had, for years, served as a critical source of income for the municipality. That revenue helped support municipal operations, public services, and financial obligations.
However, the Council said the loss of that income stream has created undue economic hardship for the municipality.
The letter stated that City Hall is now struggling to pay essential bills while continuing to deliver services to residents across Linden.
The Council also noted that efforts to improve revenue collection through rates and taxes have faced ongoing challenges and have not received the necessary support from central government authorities.
While acknowledging that the removal of the toll may have been intended to bring relief to citizens, Mayor Blair warned that local democratic organs should not be left financially incapacitated in the process.
The Linden Mayor and Town Council is now seeking a meeting with the President in hopes of finding what it describes as a fair and sustainable solution that protects both residents and the financial viability of the municipality.
The issue places renewed attention on the balance between easing costs for citizens and ensuring that municipalities have the resources needed to provide essential local services.
