Cabinet still considering increases – Public Infrastructure Ministry

PPP criticises decision to increase tolls

As cabinet continues to consider proposals on increasing the tolls for the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has heavily criticised the move for such increases. During a news conference on Thursday, PPP/C Parliamentarians Gail Teixeira and Bishop Juan Edghill observed that the pending decision to increase the DHB tolls will only add to the financial burdens of commuters.

Teixeira contended that there needs to be consultations before such a decision is made, especially with commuters who traverse the bridge on a regular basis.

“People are hurting…if this is the direction that government wishes to go into it would make things harder for people coming to work,” she stated, noting the complaints of several taxi operators that they will have no choice other than to impose increased fares on passengers.

Bishop Edghill opined that government has once again flip-flopped on an issue, pointing out that prior to this revelation they denied that tolls would be increased.

The former Junior Finance Minister noted that in February he questioned government over the consideration of a $150 million subsidy where he asked if it meant there would be no toll hikes. Edghill was of the view that if taxpayers are providing money to the bridge by way of the subsidy, it would be deceptive to then “turn around and charge” increases.

“If when seeking the subsidy of $150 million to do capital works at the bridge, you have a $150 million for expenditure, then you turn around to increase the tolls, then you have deceived the nation,” Edghill postulated.

He also contended that it is “discriminatory” for government to increase the tolls for the DHB but fight vociferously to reduce the tolls for the Berbice Bridge.

According to media reports, Director of Public Information Imran Khan had disclosed that motorcyclists will now pay $40 instead of $20 and the toll for cars will be raised from $100 to $200. On Wednesday, the publically owned Guyana Chronicle published that Cabinet had cleared the way for the toll increases.

But in an issued statement on Thursday, the Public Infrastructure Ministry disputed the article and it was pointed out that there has been no increase in tolls at the Demerara Harbour Bridge. It was in this statement that the ministry disclosed that Cabinet has not yet approved the increases.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson noted that the details surrounding the proposal are still “being ironed out”. It was further emphasised that the ministry and the DHB will relay any official notice of increases in tolls.

It was on Wednesday that many car drivers bemoaned the reports of the 100 per cent toll increase. Some taxi drivers who ply various routes to Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) from the outskirts of Georgetown viewed the increase inappropriate.

One driver, Moses (only name given) noted that passengers who cross the bridge will be burdened. He noted that 20 per cent increase would have been more appropriate. Petwam Singh, a father of four operating taxi for over seven years decried high maintenance costs, gasoline, added to the increased tolls.

It was also explained that at present, passengers pay between $500 to $700 to cross the bridge by taxi, but with possible increases in the tolls and gas, fares could be hiked to as much as $1000. However, some were of the view that there is imbalance between the toll of the Demerara Harbour Bridge and that of the Berbice Bridge.

Aubrey Sanko a driver for 15 years indicated that he does not see the problem with the increase, noting that toll hikes are in keeping with “development”. He also observed the gap between the Demerara and Berbice tolls. Some persons selling around the Harbour Bridge also noted that increase is justified because that toll has “remained the same” for many years.

The 37-year-old bridge linking East Bank and West Bank Demerara is accounting for millions of dollars in maintenance on a yearly basis. While the bridge raked in some $519 million in 2015, over $2 billion was allotted for its maintenance between 2010 and 2015.