The incident of another vessel crashing into the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) on Tuesday has once again highlighted the vulnerability of this piece of infrastructure. These recurrent collisions are not mere accidents; they are a disruption of the livelihoods of those solely dependent on the bridge for commuting.
This is the second such incident at the bridge already for the year and the inconvenience and disruption caused to commuters – though minimal this time – cannot be overstated.
This bridge is vital in connecting the eastern and western banks of the Demerara River. Thousands of commuters, including workers and students, as well as businesses, depend on it daily for transit. When a vessel crashes into the bridge, it not only halts this crucial flow but also creates a ripple effect of delays and losses.
Addressing this recurring problem is essential to prevent future mishaps and ensure the smooth functioning of this facility. Beyond the inconvenience and economic impact, safety is a paramount concern.
Each collision poses a risk to the structural integrity of the bridge, potentially endangering lives. Ensuring the bridge remains safe and operational requires constant monitoring and maintenance, which is both costly and resource-intensive. To mitigate these recurrent incidents, it is imperative to address the root causes. Improved regulation and enforcement of maritime traffic around the bridge are essential. This could include stricter guidelines for vessel navigation and enhanced training for advanced monitoring systems. Authorities must also engage in proactive dialogue with stakeholders, including shipping companies to prevent future collisions.
Transparency in reporting and investigating these incidents will foster accountability and ensure that lessons are learned and applied. For the everyday commuter, these disruptions – whether big or small – -are more than an inconvenience; they are a source of stress. The repeated crashes of vessels into the Demerara Harbour Bridge are a clarion call for urgent action.
In 2022, an accident that resulted in four spans of the DHB being severely damaged put the Bridge out of operation for days and left thousands of commuters who normally use the facility with no choice but to use water taxis at the old ferry stellings at Vreed-en-Hoop and Georgetown. The Public Works Ministry needs to do more than just a reactive approach and while holding vessel owners accountable, must also hold the management of the Demerara Harbour Bridge responsible.
In this most recent incident, preliminary investigations have revealed that the crew of men operating the <<<MV Princess Anisa>>> fell asleep while traversing the Demerara River, resulting in the collision. But what happened to the DHB team that is manning the navigation of vessels passing the bridge?
The frequency of these incidents raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms. Each collision raises questions about the bridge’s management and whether or not there is adequate monitoring or enforcing navigational regulations. Proper oversight should include stringent enforcement of maritime traffic rules.
Holding the management accountable involves more than just addressing the immediate aftermath of each incident. The safety and reliability of the Demerara Harbour Bridge are non-negotiable. The management must be held equally accountable for their lack of oversight, and they must take immediate and decisive action to rectify the situation. This is not just about preventing future collisions; it is about ensuring the safety of the public. The time for complacency is over.
