IN an impromptu visit to the construction site of the New Demerara River Bridge (NDRB) on the West Bank of Demerara, on Tuesday, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, expressed his appreciation for the judicial system’s swift ruling that has allowed the project to proceed without further interruptions.
During his visit, Minister Edghill acknowledged the challenges faced in relocating residents due to the “settlement price” negotiations. However, he was pleased to report that, as of December 31, 2024, all property owners requiring displacement had been successfully relocated. He emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation for all affected residents, stating, “The government of Guyana approached the courts to guarantee that no Guyanese was left to suffer.”
As of December 19, 2024, payments had been issued to all necessary parties, and the Ministry of Public Works has received the “all clear” to continue construction without hindrances. Edghill mentioned that while many residents have already moved, his staff would reach out to any remaining residents to assist in dismantling their homes. He anticipates that all structures will be cleared by January 8, 2025, allowing construction to progress smoothly.
Minister Edghill took the opportunity to commend his team for their professionalism and timely responses to challenges. He reiterated the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government’s dedication to fulfilling its promises to the citizens of Guyana, despite setbacks faced during the project’s execution.
Chief Transport Officer, Patrick Thompson, provided an update on the NDRB project, acknowledging that while challenges have delayed the initial completion date of December 31, 2024, significant progress has been made. He reported that the overall project is approximately 78 per cent complete, with the bridge itself around 62 per cent finished.
Thompson noted that since the last milestone—launching the first set of girders—48 girders have been placed on the West Bank and 16 on the East Bank. A total of 121 of the 472 required girders have been manufactured, with teams working diligently around the clock through the holiday season to maintain momentum.
With the primary challenge of resident relocation resolved, Thompson expects a rapid progression toward the project’s completion.
The new Demerara Harbour Bridge, which is being constructed by China Railway Construction International Limited under the supervision of the Italian firm Politecnica, is set to become Guyana’s largest public infrastructure project. The US$260 million contract for the bridge was signed in May 2022.
Spanning approximately 2.65 kilometres with a driving surface width of around 23.6 metres, the bridge will feature two carriageways and four lanes. Its design includes a cable-stay structure for the high span, expected to have a vertical clearance of approximately 50 metres above the mean highest watermark. Additionally, the bridge will incorporate cycling lanes and other amenities, ensuring a modern and efficient crossing for motorists and cyclists alike.
With ongoing efforts and renewed commitment from the government, the NDRB promises to enhance connectivity and contribute to the socio-economic development of Guyana.
