DHB revenues soar by $885M in 2024 – General Manager

The Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) has reported an impressive $885 million increase in revenue collection for 2024, representing a financial growth of 11.7 per cent compared to 2023.
This was according to the bridge’s General Manager (GM) Wayne Watson, who on Saturday provided a progressive report during the Ministry of Public Works End-of-Year press conference.
While the total revenue for 2023 was not disclosed, Watson explained that the newly introduced Breeze Pass system contributed 11.2 per cent to the $885 million revenue increase.
“For financial, we have an increase of 11.7 per cent… For the end of 2024 a total of 78.5 per cent, this is equivalent to $885 million more than 2023,” Watson stated.
“Marine toll is 4 per cent, which is about $4.7 million, the newly introduced Breeze Pass also contributed 11.2 per cent, which is about $12 million, special crossing contributed 4.3 per cent, which is about $4.5 million,” he added.
Further, vehicle traffic across the bridge increased by 2.9 per cent translating to 11,491 more vehicles travelling east to west.

Despite an uptick in traffic interruptions—50 additional delays due to accidents and unidentified fuel spills—DHB managed to reduce the retraction time for vessels by 20 per cent.
Moreover, a 13.3 per cent rise in vessel transits was also recorded, reflecting increased movements of ocean and coastal vessels transporting fuel, aggregates, and other essential goods.
“One thing I need to bring to the floor is the intervention by the Government last year to ensure that the truck span was replaced. We saw an increase of 49 per cent in special crossings, which is equivalent to about 3,498 special crossings. These are people that are above the 80 metric tons. Once you are above 80 metric tons, those people are classified to be special crossing. That figure would have risen to 46 per cent and this is November,” Watson said.
Infrastructure upgrades
As it relates to infrastructural upgrades, the DHB undertook significant maintenance and rehabilitation projects in 2024. These included the replacement of five transom beams and four deck plates, 35 end posts and the installation of 18,000 feet of anchor chains and 27,000 feet of wire ropes.
Additionally, 28 pontoons were reactivated, installation of the new retractor span 9, replacement of span 9 transom beams and rehabilitation and installation of 95 buoys.
The GM noted that the Ministry of Public Works played a key role in supporting these efforts, especially as it relates to mobilisation, financing and collaborating with other agencies to enhance community infrastructure.
DHB said it remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted transportation while laying the groundwork for a new bridge. The administration also emphasised its dedication to maintaining the current structure to support commerce, social life, and economic activities.
“The bridge will continue to lend support to all city agencies. We commit to ensuring that the new bridge becomes a reality while we maintain and keep it going. So that the interruption of growth, commerce, social life, and activities will not be interrupted” he assured.