Dear Editor,
The announcement of a state-of-the-art fixed high-span bridge across the Berbice River by the Guyana government is another example of addiction to “steroids” induced progress. While this project represents an item on every Guyanese wish list, which includes a national air carrier and a 60 stories tall skyscraper as well as hovercraft to cross from Stabroek Market Stelling to Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling, it also raises a pertinent question: Is this the beginning of the government’s mea culpa for the massive waste historically associated with pork-barrel projects?
For years, Guyana has seen projects that appeared more focused on political patronage than on addressing the real needs of the people. Take, for example, the Skeldon Sugar Modernization Project, which was supposed to revitalize the sugar industry but ended up costing taxpayers over GYD 47 billion and resulted in a factory that never operated at full capacity. Then there was the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, which, despite being shelved, still consumed significant funds in preliminary studies and consultations—costing the country over GYD 12 billion with little to show for it.
Is the plan for a state-of-the-art fixed high-span bridge across the Berbice River another pie-in-the-sky idea that will result in billions being spent on preliminary studies and consultations? Given the history of past projects, one can’t help but wonder if this initiative will suffer the same fate, with significant sums allocated to planning but little to no tangible results.
Additionally, the question must be asked: Has the cost of the existing Berbice Bridge been fully amortized? The financial burden of that project has been a point of contention for years, with tolls that were initially high and have only recently been reduced. Before embarking on a new bridge, it would be prudent to assess whether the full economic benefits of the existing one have been realized, or if we’re simply moving on to a new project without completing the financial cycle of the old one.
Moreover, why has the government chosen to prioritize a new bridge over the Berbice River instead of the Essequibo River? The Essequibo remains a major artery for commerce and travel in Guyana, yet it lacks a fixed bridge, relying instead on ferries that limit efficiency and economic growth. A bridge over the Essequibo could have a far-reaching impact on the country’s development, connecting remote regions and fostering economic integration.
Furthermore, with global oil prices expected to trade below the current $80 per barrel in 2025, the impact on Guyana’s oil revenues could be significant. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that a sustained drop in oil prices could reduce Guyana’s revenue by up to 20% annually, translating into a potential shortfall of GYD 160 billion by 2025. Such a reduction in revenue would place additional pressure on the national budget and could impact the financing of large-scale infrastructure projects like the new Berbice River Bridge. It raises the question of whether this is the right time for such a significant financial commitment, especially when alternative priorities like a bridge over the Essequibo River could potentially offer greater long-term benefits.
Moreover, as a matter of transparency, the government should publish the terms of the loan to build the bridge, including interest and principal payments, and the total costs associated with the project. This level of transparency is essential to ensure public confidence in the project and to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued past initiatives. In conclusion, if this bridge is indeed part of a broader plan to rectify past mistakes, it could mark the beginning of a new era of responsible governance in Guyana. Let’s hope that this time, they get it right.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard
