Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF’s) 4 Engineers Battalion have constructed a heavy-duty bridge at PremNagar, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.
This is another project in a series of similar works to be executed countrywide as part of the Government’s community-based initiative. It will see the Force becoming more community oriented in its service to Guyana.
Replacing the old timber structure which had served the community for many decades, the new bridge is a composite material structure comprising steel, I-section beams and concrete decking.
The bridge was officially handed over to residents during a simple commissioning ceremony on Tuesday.
Construction of the bridge commenced on January 29, 2021 and concluded on April 30, 2021.
The commissioning of the heavy-duty bridge at Meten-Meer-Zorg
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall, who attended the commissioning ceremony, has said he is pleased with the work of the soldiers.
“I am pleased with the work done by the GDF, and I’m happy with the initiative taken by the President to collaborate efforts. The GDF does indeed have many talents and skills, and I’m also grateful that they were able to complete the construction in a timely manner and at seventy percent of the original cost,” he said.
The Minister also remarked that he is looking forward to having more engagements with the GDF in the development of communities countrywide.
Meanwhile, Government Projects Engineer, Brigadier (ret’d) Gary Beaton, expressed thanks to the President and Commander in Chief, Dr. Irfaan Ali, for the increased exposure being granted to the ranks of the 4 Engineers Battalion. He noted that the project denotes a sense of fulfilment and duty.
Brigadier (ret’d) Beaton also expressed thanks to the Regional Democratic Council for accommodating the ranks.
The new bridge was welcomed by residents of the Meten-Meer-Zorg community.
One such person, Rajdai Indar, expressed gratitude for the work done.
“I am happy for the new bridge, cause the old one was in a terrible state for a very long time. I am pleased!” she said.
Similar sentiments were shared by Mahadeo Shivpersaud, another resident of the area. He was most satisfied with the fact that it is now much safer for fellow members of the community and, more specifically, vehicles to now manoeuvre safely across the bridge.
Further, Awad Williams, who has been resident in the community for over 63 years, related the terrible condition of the old bridge, and thanked the Government and the Force for the work done to make it new.
The heavy-duty bridge built by the army’s Engineer Corps
It has been noted that the total value of the bridge has saved Government some 30 per cent of actual cost, had the project gone to tender.
The teams working on these projects are exclusively members of the GDF, and are skilled personnel who are qualified in the field and have successfully completed several engineering projects both within the Force and in several parts of the country.
The Engineering Corps’ heightened role in national development through infrastructure projects across the country falls in line with President Ali’s vision for a more community-oriented military.
The Commander in Chief is adamant in this vision as he seeks to sensitise communities of the developmental role that the military could play. This will also reinforce confidence in the armed forces.
According to the President, the GDF will play a critical role in the country’s infrastructure transformation.
