Nine firms have pre-qualified to bid to design and build the new Demerara Harbour Bridge and government is hopeful that the selection process will be concluded to allow for construction to begin in the last quarter of the year.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Public Works announced that the following firms have been pre-qualified:
1. China State Construction Eng. Corp (China)
2. Ballast Needam Infra Suriname B.V.
3. China Geizhouba Group Co. Ltd (China)
4. JV-China Railway International Group Co. Ltd, China Railway Major Bridge Eng. Group Co. Ltd, Reconnaissance & Design Inst. Co. Ltd (China)
5. JV-China Road & Bridge Corp. Peutes y Calzadas Infrastructuras SLU (China and Spain)
6. JV-OECI S.A. and Odebrecht Engenharia E. Coonstrucao S. A. OEC
7. JV-China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Ltd., China Railway Construction (Caribbean a) Co. Ltd, and China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Co. Ltd (China & Trinidad and Tobago)
8. Boskalis Guyana Inc Eiffage Genie Civil (Guyana & Netherlands)
9. JV-Rizzani de Eccher S. p. A & Preconco Ltd (Italy and Barbados)
The ministry noted that an information session was held on Monday with the firms on the general requirements expected in the upcoming tender for the project, which would see a Preferred Bidder being selected.
According to the ministry, bidders were advised that they will be required to bid on two options: a Design-Build & Finance option, and a Design-Build-Operate & Finance Option.
Further, construction is expected to start in the fourth quarter of the year and to conclude within two years.
Last September, the government had advertised for Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for the prequalification process with available financing options. The notice for the EoIs explained that the Ministry of Public Works wished to embark on the construction of a new four-lane, high-span fixed bridge in the vicinity of the current location and which terminates at Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara. “The new design of the Demerara Harbour Bridge will not require opening or retraction to allow for maritime traffic and will be built with a life span of at least 50 years,” it noted.
Previously, President Irfaan Ali had said that the new bridge would be a very high one standing at minimum 50 meters high or as high as or higher than the Marriott Hotel to facilitate the clearance for vessels.
According to the Works Ministry, 54 firms expressed interest, 44 firms completed the registration process and were provided with the EOI/Pre-Qualification documents, and 21 firms submitted to the EoI/Pre-Qualification on the closing deadline of December 4.
The ministry noted that there was a highly competitive process for pre-qualification. Despite the limited number pre-qualified, it said the government encourages all of the companies, described as world-class, to continue the opportunities available in Guyana.
Firms not pre-qualified will be notified in accordance with the Procurement Act.
