Toll-free Wismar Bridge: “Strongly endorse and support” – Opposition MP on Pres Ali’s decision

…as former Opposition MP urges Linden leaders to embrace ‘new era’ thinking

Opposition member of parliament (MP) Jermaine Figueira on Wednesday pledged his support for the removal of the Wismar/Mackenzie bridge toll in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice).

Figueira’s support for the removal of the bridge toll follows two days after Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon issued a statement on the removal of the bridge tolls.
Solomon, in a statement on Monday, said the removal of the tolls from the Wismar Bridge will present significant financial challenges for the town council. He claimed that the township generated approximately $6 million per month from the bridge tolls.
Solomon said this budget shortfall will impact a number of projects in the municipality, including giving workers an increase in their salaries.
However, Figueira shared a different view on the initiative launched by the government noting that the decision is a move which he “strongly endorse and support”. The opposition MP highlighted that many have argued that it is unfair having to pay two separate tolls within a mile radius in Linden.
Figueira stressed that the unfortunate double toll situation which has been existence for several years in the mining town has negatively impacted the town’s economy for decades resulting in increased prices on goods and services, particularly for residents on the Wismar shore and the interior communities.
He further revealed that some impacted products and services are involuntarily denied to residents on the western shore and beyond, due to some businesses not wanting to, or being unable to pay twice particularly at the Council’s Kara Kara toll which is pegged at several thousands of dollars per truck added to additional bridge toll cost.
Recognising the plethora of opportunities and financial relief that will come as a result of the removal of the Wismar/Mackenzie bridge toll Figueira in his statement on Wednesday said.
“Toll removal is a progressive economic strategy that directly benefits low – and middle-income households…By eliminating regressive financial barriers to mobility, the policy alleviates immediate economic burdens on citizens, specifically Lindeners and interior residents, and catalyzes the potential for long-term inter community and regional development in commerce, trade, tourism, manufacturing, and other economic investments.”
Moreover, to address the financial shortfall that will come as a result of the removal of the bridge tolls Figueira suggested that the government approves the current proposals by the council for the establishment of new commercial/economic zones in several communities where people can sell their produce and services. He referenced the Amelia’s Ward area which is the largest community in the town however, there is no market or officially designated space for commercial engagements.
The opposition MP also proposed the establishment of an industrial and manufacturing zone with a proposed rate payable to the council on the Linden to Lethem corridor among other areas.
Additionally, he said If the government holds firm on not allowing for increases of taxes through property revaluation, then reforms that allow for exponential reach of municipal tax jurisdictions within the ever-expanding municipalities should be taken into consideration.
Figueira revealed that there are several communities within Linden, including new schemes and newly regulated areas, that have long been exempted from property and business taxes.
By bringing these areas under municipal tax jurisdiction, even at present rates, will significantly increase revenues for the council and in the case of Linden, effectively augment its revenue base in lieu of toll revenue loss from the Wismar/Mackenzie bridge.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Tuesday Attorney-at-law and businessman, James Bond, who had previously held senior positions within the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) also chimed in on the situation.
Bond criticized the mayor and his colleagues who have long been claiming to have the people of Linden ‘best interests at hand’ for their hypocritical views on the removal of the Wismar/Mackenzie bridge toll.
He posited, “Do we have leaders out here who supposed to be “people centered” out here opposing the removal of a toll?”
He further argued that the council could close the financial gap that the removal of the bridge toll will bring by opening revenue streams in areas such as tourism and real estate among others.
“Use your political ingenuity and find somewhere else to raise the money. Private/ public partnerships, tourism, agriculture, investment in real estate, rental of properties, and so much more could bring in more than 6 million a month… People of Region 10 think outside the box step outside the box this is the dawn of a new era. You aren’t victims! You’re a strong powerful region!”
Meanwhile, in keeping with the Government’s plans to eliminate bridge tolls, President Irfaan Ali during annual observance to celebrate the life of Dr Cheddi Jagan at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant in Region Six on Sunday announced that effective from August 1, 2025, it will be toll-free to cross the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Berbice Bridge and the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden.
In August last year, the President had first announced the Government’s plans to make the bridges toll-free in order to lessen the burden on citizens. However, at the time, the intention was to make the bridges toll-free until the new Demerara River Bridge was completed.
In explaining the move, the President had said last year that the Government is looking to ease the burden on citizens while also enhancing the transportation network and improving competitiveness through the efficient movement of goods and services across the country.

New US$35M bridge
Meanwhile, the construction of the new US$35 million Wismar/McKenzie bridge is being executed by China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC)– the same company that is constructing the new US$260 million bridge across the Demerara River.
Public Works Juan Edghill told had told this publication on Tuesday that this project, which has an end date of April 2026, is 36 per cent completed.