Dear Editor,
I recently had the pleasure of reading the Guyana Chronicle’s latest gem, “New Demerara River Bridge… Gov’t working with GTT, GPL to relocate utilities for advancement of project.” The article left me both bewildered and amused, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the bridge project’s progress—nonchalantly describ-ed as “69% completed.”
Ah, the allure of 69%! Such a precise statistic to convey that, while we’ve made strides, we still have a not insignificant 31% left, likely subject to a few known and unknown hurdles. But are we really talking about 69% completion in actual construction, or 69% completion of the General Maximum Price (GMP) budget? It would be helpful to understand the difference between the actual percentage complete and the percentage tied to the construction budget. I can only assume the remaining work will be completed with the same meticulous rigour, and this distinction would certainly clarify matters.
However, the most captivating aspect is the government’s decision to begin engaging GTT (now One Communications) and GPL for utility relocations at this stage. It feels akin to finishing a jigsaw puzzle while still keeping half the pieces in the box.
In the spirit of transparency, I eagerly await further updates on the relocation of utilities. Specific details about timelines, costs, and concessions would be immensely helpful. For example:
• Timelines: What are the projected deadlines for relocating power lines and telephone cables? Are we looking at a few more months of suspense, or is there a clear timeline for completing this essential work?
• Costs: The article hints at a collaborative effort between government bodies and utility companies. Could we get a detailed breakdown of the costs involved? Knowing how much of the $260 million is being allocated to these utility relocations would be both informative and reassuring.
• Concessions: What agreements have been made by One Communications and GPL to facilitate this process? Have any noteworthy adjustments been made to ensure the seamless continuation of the bridge project and utility services?
A deeper understanding of these aspects would provide much-needed clarity, not only for those involved in the project but also for the public eagerly watching its progress. Furthermore, it would be beneficial if Politecnica, the Italian company overseeing the construction and design, could share their insights. Having their technical expertise presented—perhaps alongside Vice President Jagdeo at one of his regular press conferences—would do wonders for transparency.
As we look toward the bridge’s eventual completion, let’s embrace the thrill of utility relocations and the 31% that remains. Here’s hoping the final stage of this ambitious project is met with the same boldness that brought us to this exhilarating 69%.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard
