New Berbice River Bridge contract being finalised – Min Edghill

The contract for the new four-lane, high-span Berbice River Bridge is in its final stages of negotiation for its award and signing.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, made the announcement during a consultation on the Palmyra to Moleson Creek road project in Region Six on Tuesday.

“The negotiations for the award and signing of the contract for the new four-lane high-span concrete bridge to Berbice is being finalised right now,” he disclosed.

The minister explained that the bridge is being designed to mirror the US$262 million high-span Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, allowing large vessels to pass beneath it.

The project is seen as a major investment for residents and businesses, closely tied to the larger development efforts at Palmyra.

A cluster of large-scale projects is also underway for the area, including a new housing scheme, a national stadium, a deep-water harbour, a municipal airport, a cultural market and a new gas pipeline.

Minister Edghill also noted that the four-lane road currently under construction from Palmyra to Moleson Creek will link with the proposed Corentyne River Bridge. This is a government-to-government initiative between Guyana and Suriname.

He added that recent discussions with Surinamese officials reaffirmed their commitment to the project.

Just weeks ago, during a South American Ministers of Transportation meeting in Uruguay, referred to as the Brazilian Consensus, representatives from Suriname signalled their intention to proceed with the bridge partnership, despite the change in administration.

Once completed, the new Berbice River Bridge is expected to serve as a critical transport link, improving the movement of goods and services and strengthening regional trade.

It is also anticipated to generate employment and boost tourism within the Region.