Gov’t invites proposals for Environment, Social Impact assessment for new Demerara River bridge

The PPP/C Administration is advancing its plans to realise the construction of a new Demerara River bridge as a request for proposals (RFP) was recently advertised for the conduct of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).

With an implementation period of five months, the consultancy firm is tasked principally, with executing a detailed assessment of any environmental and social matters that are associated with, or may arise from, the development in the areas of influence of the project.

The consultant’s assessment would also take into account the construction of approach roads to the bridge that will span from Nandy Park to La Grange.

Outside of the ESIA that will be funded through the Ministry of Public Works, the Environmental Protection Agency will spearhead the conduct of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Since assuming office, the PPP/C Administration has made the flagship project a priority, in keeping with its campaign promise to ease the traffic burdens associated with the existing, aged bridge.

In January, Minister Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill said the tendering process to build the new bridge is in its evaluation stage.

The project will feature a four-lane, high-span fixed bridge that will accommodate an uninterrupted flow of marine traffic as the bridge will not require retraction.

This key feature is expected to facilitate the growth of the oil and gas sector as more vessels would be allowed to traverse Port Georgetown without the restrictions of a retraction schedule.

Additionally, the new bridge will lead to the construction of key infrastructural projects, like the new four-lane highway from Parika to Schoonord, which will stimulate the growth of the industrial, agricultural, housing and other sectors.

On the East Bank Demerara, the Government has already budgeted $1.06 billion to construct a new four-lane thoroughfare from Ogle to Eccles to further ease the traffic woes for commuters.

To complement these projects, work on the new Diamond-Eccles roadway is progressing. Approximately $500 million will be spent to bring the first phase to completion by the end of April.