Cabinet to review feasibility study report

New Demerara River crossing

Almost two months after the feasibility study for the new Demerara River crossing was completed and handed over to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Cabinet will now review the findings from the report.

It was revealed by Minister of State Joseph Harmon at this week’s post-Cabinet briefing that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson on Tuesday presented to Cabinet the feasibility study report and design plans for the new Demerara River crossing that would link Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) since the Demerara Harbour Bridge is currently being operated beyond its 20-year lifespan.

The Public Infrastructure Minister was subsequently informed that he should identify and highlight key aspects of the proposal that requires immediate attention so that at the next ministerial conference, the report can be discuss in detail.

The feasibility study was conducted at the cost of some $146.3 million (US$706,091) and was done by LievenseCSO, a Netherlands company.

The contract for the study between the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) and the Dutch company was signed on December 9, 2016. It was completed and handed over to Minister Patterson back in March.

Arie Mol, Advisor to the CEO of LievenseCSO, during the handing over of the report, touched on a number of points including: river/marine traffic, river modelling, and economic and environmental considerations. The study looked at three different types of bridges including – floating, fixed low level with a retractable span, and a fixed high level bridge.

He had also highlighted a number of possible locations on the East Bank for the new river crossing, including New Hope, Peter’s Hall, Eccles and Houston, with lengths ranging from approximately 580 metres to just under 2000 metres.

However, at a consultation held last month to discuss the findings of the Feasibility Study and Design for the new Demerara River Bridge, the Public Infrastructure Minister had disclosed that seven possible locations were identified to sit the new crossing. However, he noted that of those highlighted, the Houston-Versailles link was deemed most economically viable location since it seems to be the least problematic, taking into consideration the environmental impact, land acquisition, and the dislocation of persons.

Nevertheless, Patterson pointed out that at some point during the project, there will be some land acquisition regardless of which ever of the seven options is selected. “It’s unfortunate, but it is something that we have to do for the greater good,” the Minister had stated.

Moreover, the Public Infrastructure Minister had revealed that dozens of contractors, including companies from India, China, Europe and the United States, have signalled interests in constructing the bridge.

Government is looking to construct the bridge using the Public/Private Partnership (PPP) module, as was done with the Berbice River Bridge.

The procurement process for this project will be done this year, while actual construction works will start in 2020 with the intention of having it completed by the end of the following year to provide a better mode of access to the East and West Banks of the Demerara River.

Presently, the 1.25 mile floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) is a strategic link between the two sides. It facilitates the daily movement of large numbers of vehicles, people, and cargo.

The structure was built in the 1970s but was opened in July 1978 with the expectation of lasting only 10 years. However, some 37 years after, it is still floating.

In 2013, the Bridge Corporation in collaboration with the then Public Works Ministry had carried out a pre-feasibility study. That study concluded that a ‘fixed high level’ bridge was the best option to pursue.

The study will consider the model, the tender documents and the sites proposed and it will also make the final pronouncement on whether or not the construction is something that the country can go forward with.