Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and his Surinamese counterpart Dr Riad Nurmohamed yesterday visited the proposed sites for the landing of a planned bridge across the Corentyne River, where they planted flags to signify their commitment to the project.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) last night reported that the ministers and their respective technical teams visited the landing areas in Guyana (Moleson Creek) and Suriname (South Drain) and the middle at Long Island (Lange Island), where the flags were planted.
Edghill was later reported by his ministry as saying that the planting of the flags represented a small start for a big vision and that in the not so distant future they will be cutting ribbons for the ceremonial opening.
He said both countries are eager to execute the project and pointed out that Guyana has been preparing for the construction of the bridge, which will open up access to greater economic opportunities for Guyana in markets in South America.
Dr Nurmohamed, meanwhile, said the visit demonstrated the two nations’ commitment to development. “Planting the flags here means that we are here for a sustainable project, which is very important for movement and development of both countries,” he was quoted as saying in the DPI report.
According to the report, Chief Transport Planning Officer Patrick Thompson, who was part Edghill’s team, said that consultations are still ongoing for the final design of the bridge. He added that there will be a flat bridge leading from Guyana to Long Island, where a road will be built to connect to the Surinamese side, which will be a high-span bridge to allow for maritime traffic.
Head of the Project Cycle Management Division in the Ministry of Finance Tarachand Balgobin, who was also on the trip, said that the project will unlock a host of economic possibilities between the nations. He added that while there are many opinions on the location and length of the bridge, the proposed site was decided on as it will provide a platform for fair trade between Guyana and Suriname.
With the expected increase in trade and traffic that the bridge would bring, Edghill said the Minister said persons can expect major infrastructural development on Long Island, such as hotels and shopping malls.
Edghill also disclosed that the Government of Guyana will host a Surinamese delegation next week to discuss plans going forward.
The DPI report said Edghill is also set to accompany President Irfaan Ali on his visit to Suriname next month to commemorate that country’s independence and the formal bridge agreement is expected to be inked then.
