Misinformation “storm” about BJ Demerara River bridge dismissed

…structure “remains safe, stable” – Edghill

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has reassured the public that the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge remains structurally sound, while also addressing concerns raised about works ongoing at the New Hope Bridge, dismissing recent criticisms as misinformation that risk creating unnecessary public alarm. In a detailed statement issued by the Public Works Ministry on Monday, Edghill confirmed that continuous monitoring of settlement observation points on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge has shown no abnormal settlement in the bridge’s foundations. According to the Ministry, “all monitoring data indicate that the bridge structure remains safe, stable, and fully reliable for public use.” Misinformation have been circulating following observations of pavement undulations on sections of the bridge. However, the Ministry explained that technical investigations revealed these irregularities are confined to localised surface flatness variations linked to the asphalt paving process and do not affect the bridge’s structural integrity or load-bearing capacity. The Ministry further clarified that pavement undulation near the east approach abutment is a result of the transition zone where sand embankment fill meets the concrete abutment structure. Differences in material properties, Edghill noted, can lead to varying settlement behaviour, producing temporary elevation differences at the surface. The contractor has since been instructed to conduct remedial works to restore a smooth driving surface.

“The Ministry of Public Works appreciates the vigilance and concern shown by members of the public regarding this critical infrastructure,” the statement said, while reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to professional monitoring, maintenance, and public safety.

Storm in a teacup
Meanwhile, addressing growing public commentary surrounding the New Hope Bridge, Edghill visited the site, stressing that the bridge is not yet fully completed, though it has been opened for temporary use.
“So, I am at the Hope Bridge because there has been a storm in a teacup about poor quality of work and bringing into question whether we know what we are doing,” Edghill said. He explained that visible gaps near the abutment are not cracks or structural failures but spaces deliberately left for the installation of expansion joints.
“The expansion joint has to be placed and all that has happened is that to allow for a smooth ride while the contractors were importing the expansion joint, they put temporary asphalt,” the Minister explained. “If we had left the bridge with the abutment exposed, nobody would have been able to drive over the bridge.”

According to Edghill, the temporary asphalt will be cut to facilitate the installation of the metal expansion joints Bridge. He confirmed that the expansion joints are already in the contractor’s compound and will be installed shortly. The Minister said he chose to visit the site himself to independently verify technical reports provided by engineers. “I didn’t want this to be pure politics,” he said. “I wanted to ensure that technically what is being reported to me by my engineers are correct and I am here on site and I am satisfied.” Edghill also took aim at what he described as reckless commentary circulating in the public domain, warning that misinformation can be difficult to undo once spread. He cautioned that statements made without proper verification can create “public alarm, public distrust and public confusion,” adding that individuals who position themselves as leaders must be mindful of their credibility. “We cannot live in a society where because you don’t understand something, it’s corruption,” Edghill asserted. “I am not responsible for your lack of understanding. When you have lack of understanding, you try to get someone who can explain to you, but you cannot take everything you don’t understand and call it corruption.” Reiterating his position, the Minister stressed, “This bridge is not failing. It is not,” while suggesting that the Ministry of Public Works has been unfairly targeted in recent days.