Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, has accused the Opposition of engaging in “local politics of division and destruction” to delay the completion of the highly anticipated new Demerara Harbour Bridge.
Speaking at his Ministry’s End-of-Year Press Conference, Edghill suggested that these tactics are aimed at stalling the project until the end of the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration’s term.
“If we are going to talk about delays of the bridge, it is the local politics of division and destruction that is seeking to hinder Guyana’s development,” Edghill declared.
TIMELINE AND DELAYS
Originally slated for completion by March 31, 2025, the project’s timeline has been pushed back to August 31, 2025. Despite challenges, work recently resumed on the eastern side of the bridge after a court ruling provided clearance.
Delays were exacerbated by a court battle involving residents whose properties were in the alignment path of the bridge. The residents, reportedly influenced by the Opposition’s advice, initially refused the government’s compensation offers.
“It was a big political move by members of the opposition to use residents,” Edghill explained. “And you know what the reality is? Some of the people ended up getting a judgment at the court that was less than what the government was offering.”
EFFORTS TO STAY ON TRACK
Despite the setbacks, Edghill emphasised that every effort is being made to meet the new deadline. “We just cannot do more than what we are doing now,” he stated, noting that certain technical processes, such as allowing concrete to cure, cannot be rushed.
He highlighted the commitment of workers, who have been working tirelessly, even on holidays such as Christmas, Old Year’s, and New Year’s Days.
“They never stopped working, and I am not making excuses for any contractor,” he said. The US$260 million bridge, being constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited under the supervision of Politecnica, is 61.72% completed as of now.
The 2.6-kilometre crossing will link Nandy Park on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) to La Grange on the West Bank Demerara (WBD).The bridge will feature four lanes, with a total width of 23.6 metres, including a median and shoulders, and is expected to significantly reduce congestion while improving transportation and connectivity.
