Government, through the Public Works Ministry, on Monday announced plans for a permanent four-lane bridge at Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara (WBD), following the recent installation of a temporary bridge.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement, subject minister Bishop Juan Edghill revealed that the current bridge is not strong enough to withstand the pressures of heavy-laden vehicles traversing the route.
As a result, GUYCO Construction, based in Region Three, would undertake the approximately $3 billion project.
“I spoke to the contractor and he has promised to give me the bridge in six weeks,” Minster Edghill stated while detailing the scope of the project.
The project would also include rehabilitation of five kilometres of road and construction of 3.5 kilometres of drainage systems. As works are set to begin soon, the minister has urged residents and local authorities to cooperate.
“The NDCs, we are asking that you assist this project by working with the schools and the local businesses and… communities to inform them of what is taking place, because once construction commences, some entrances might be interrupted, and every entrance that is interrupted will be restored,” he assured.
The project would require adjustments from key utility providers such as Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in the relocation of pipelines, leading to temporary water disruptions.
Also, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) would reroute electrical lines, causing short-term outages, while the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) would work to ensure drainage systems remain functional during construction.
Minister Edghill emphasised that while there will be temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits of the upgraded infrastructure outweigh the challenges.
Further, he noted that the ministry’s engineering team would distribute unpriced bills of quantities to all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils within 48 hours to ensure effective oversight, collaboration, and enhanced transparency.
Additionally, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, assured the contractor that the ministry’s engineers are readily available to provide guidance and support as needed, to ensure the successful completion of the bridge.
Works are expected to commence one week after the mobilisation agreement is signed.
