The government is advancing plans to construct a new fixed high-span four-lane bridge across the Berbice River, with seven international contractors shortlisted to submit price proposals for the project.
According to Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, out of nine pre-qualified bidders, seven companies – all foreign – have moved to the next phase. These companies will now be required to present detailed price proposals for the bridge, which will replace the current floating structure spanning 1.57 kilometers. “Out of nine submissions, seven are prequalified, and they will now be asked for price proposals. These are all international companies, including Chinese firms,” Edghill stated during his Ministry’s 2024 year-end press conference on Saturday.
The initial list of pre-qualified bidders included four Chinese companies, three from India, one Canadian company, and the only local bidder, Rockey & Son Construction. However, the final shortlist comprises only international contractors.
The new Berbice River Bridge is a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing Guyana’s transportation infrastructure and boosting economic connectivity. In his New Year’s address, President Irfaan Ali reaffirmed that construction on the high-span concrete bridge would begin in 2025.
Moreover, the planned four-lane structure will eliminate the need for retractions, enabling uninterrupted movement of both marine and vehicular traffic. The government has already acquired over 50 properties along the eastern bank of the Berbice River to facilitate construction.
Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC, disclosed during parliamentary debates last month that the land acquisition process had been completed. “We just finalised the acquisition of 50-odd properties along the East Bank of Berbice for this project.”
The Works Minister however, emphasised that the bridge project was not part of the PPP/C’s 2020 Manifesto but stemmed from President Ali’s vision announced in October 2022 at the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair.
The new bridge will align with the modern standards of the Demerara River Bridge currently under construction. President Ali assured residents in August that the Berbice structure would meet the same high design and structural capabilities while supporting future industrial and economic development in Region Six. “The Berbice River Bridge will cater to expansion at Palmyra, the gas project in Region Six, and the development of an industrial park with supporting port facilities,” he noted.
The President has also reiterated his commitment to making the new bridge toll-free. “For those opposing this high-span bridge, there’s an even greater challenge for them now – it will be free of cost,” Ali declared during his August announcement.
The existing floating bridge, constructed between 2006 and 2008 through a public-private partnership, has faced criticism over high toll costs. The government has been engaging the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) investors to reduce tolls.
President Ali previously highlighted the administration’s plans to either negotiate the acquisition of the current bridge or make it toll-free simultaneously with the opening of the new Demerara River Bridge in 2025.
“We are in discussions with the Berbice Bridge Company regarding possible acquisition. But regardless of whether those talks conclude, the Berbice Bridge will be toll-free when the new Demerara River Bridge becomes operational,” Ali, assured.