Work to fix the Manzanilla breakaway is at an advanced stage, thanks in part of drier conditions in the latter half of the 2023 Wet Season.

Cumuto/Manzanilla MP Dr Rai Ragbir told 103.1FM News that work could be completed by the end of February.

He says among other things, eight culverts are being built to allow swamp water to drain into the ocean and not the other way around.

The road was damaged by flooding in November 2022 – a temporary bypass was built to facilitate traffic when repairs started in 2023.

Regarding the state of this bypass, Dr Ragbir says since it lies within the Nariva Swamp, an Environmentally Sensitive Area, no oil based material could be placed on the surface.

As such, he says very heavy vehicles potentially create potholes, while any rainfall activity leads to craters on the dirt layer.

Drivers are being urged to proceed with caution.