Jagdeo Confident New Demerara Harbour Bridge Will Stay on Schedule

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has assured the nation that the construction of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), will not face significant delays, even with the recent adjustment to its completion timeline.

Speaking at a press conference on January 2, Jagdeo expressed confidence that the project would meet its revised deadline and provide much-needed infrastructure improvements for Guyana.

Initially, the bridge was scheduled for completion in March 2025. However, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill recently announced that the “drop-dead” date for the project had been extended to August 31, 2025.

He explained that the additional six months were necessary to accommodate critical construction processes, such as allowing concrete to cure properly. Edghill emphasized that all parties involved—the project team, consultants, and contractors—had agreed on the revised timeline and were committed to ensuring the bridge’s timely completion.

There was some public confusion when President Irfaan Ali suggested that the project might not be finished until late 2025. Vice President Jagdeo clarified that the President was providing a general timeframe, while the official deadline remains set for the end of August.

The new fixed, four-lane bridge is a transformative project that aims to significantly enhance transportation between Regions Three and Four. Unlike the current retraction bridge, the new design will allow large vessels to pass without interruption, improving maritime traffic along the Demerara River.

Additionally, the government has announced that the bridge will be toll-free, part of a broader initiative to remove tolls on major infrastructure projects across the country.

Constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited and overseen by Italy-based Politechnica, the bridge is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth.

By enhancing connectivity, particularly for the growing population in Region Three, the bridge will open up new opportunities for trade and development.

Vice President Jagdeo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the bridge on schedule, noting that the project is a cornerstone of the administration’s infrastructure agenda. “We remain optimistic that the revised deadline will be met and that this modern bridge will bring lasting benefits to the people of Guyana,” Jagdeo said.