Construction of new Berbice River bridge to create numerous job opportunities for locals – Dr Singh

…bidding to close by month end

The Government of Guyana is moving swiftly ahead with the construction of the New Berbice River Bridge, while bidding for the project is set to close by the end of March, says Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh.
During a public outreach at Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, Berbice, Minister Singh disclosed that Government has already received several pre-qualified forms for the new bridge, which is expected to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and reduce transportation costs, paving the way for increased economic activity in Regions Five and Six.
“We have committed to building a new bridge across the Berbice River. That bridge has served us well, but as you know, that bridge also has limited capacity in terms of heavy cargo, trucks driving across the bridge; and it has limitations[on] the weight. So, we have already gone out [with] our pre-qualification process. We have now received pre-qualified forms, and by the end of March, bids will close for the New Berbice River Bridge,” Dr Singh informed.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has already shortlisted seven pre-qualified bidders from an initial pool of nine companies. Among those were four Chinese companies, three from India, one from Canada and the lone local company, Rockey & Son Construction.
The shortlisted firms were required to submit price quotations for the project, which will replace the current 1.57-kilometre floating structure across the Berbice River.
According to Minister Singh, when completed, the pertinent piece of infrastructure will boost job creation in the region.
“If you think about it, that (the bridge) will create hundreds of jobs during the construction phrase, and once it is completed and cargo can come over, you can imagine the opportunities and the implication on the cost of goods as well,” he added.
The New Berbice River Bridge will be a modern fixed-span structure, eliminating the need for retractions, and ensuring continuous traffic flow for both marine and vehicular transportation.
As part of the project, the Government has already acquired approximately 50 properties on the eastern side of the Berbice River to facilitate construction.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali first introduced the idea of a new bridge in October 2022, and in his recent New Year Address, he had confirmed that construction will begin this year. The Head of State also assured that the Berbice River Bridge will be built to the same modern standards as the new Demerara River Bridge, currently under construction.
The new Demerara River bridge, which is currently under construction, will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre, four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River, with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6 metres.
By September 2024, works on the new Demerara River Bridge were 67.8 percent completed, with an August, 2025 completion deadline.