Dialogues with Berbice Bridge Company will continue – Min. Patterson

─ Gov’t continues to find alternatives to toll increases proposed by BBCI

─ company’s proposed cost “is way in excess and will be burdensome to citizens”

─ No bailouts or subsidies being considered

─ Gov’t optimistic the two sides can come up with appropriate solution

DPI, Guyana, Monday, July 16, 2018

The government will continue to engage the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) to find alternatives other than an increase in tolls.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson made this disclosure today on the sidelines of the National Toshaos Council Conference. “Government’s position remains the same…we do think the proposed cost by the Berbice Bridge [Company] is way in excess and will be burdensome to the citizens of Berbice”, he noted.

Minister Patterson said Government is not contemplating such exorbitant increases now or in the future nor is there any consideration for bailouts of subsidies for the bridge company.

He expressed optimism that the two sides can engage and come up with an appropriate solution.

The BBCI had recently proposed an almost 300 percent increase in the bridge tolls to offset maintenance cost. Minister Patterson, in an immediate response, said this will not be tolerated.

The minister explained that a maintenance programme to service pontoons and other sections beneath the bridge should have already been in place, given the fact that the bridge is a floating structure.

By: Stacy Carmichael.