The Demerara Harbour Bridge
THE National Trust of Guyana is a government enterprise whose mandate propels its commitment to the preservation and conservation of historic buildings and sites in Guyana. Therefore, in this programme, Heritage Minute, we aim to enlighten the public about various aspects, symbols, landmarks and structures of our rich and diverse heritage.

Today’s feature is the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

This magnificent structure is the realisation of a dream which lingered for almost a century. The construction of such a bridge to link West Demerara with East Demerara was considered, colloquially, to be quite a tall order.

While it was felt to be quite a formidable feat to achieve, the ‘Coghlan Motion’ was presented to the Legislative, promoting such a construction, as it was felt to be in the interests of economic, social and cultural development.

This Motion was supported by several prominent citizens, including the Honourable Lionel A. Luckhoo, Dr. C. B. Jagan, Captain J.P. Coghlan, and Mr. J. B. Singh among others.

Demerara Harbour Bridge

Prior to its construction, it was condemned as an unrealistic target, whereas after completion, it was condemned to a mere ten-year lifespan.

However, perseverance has shown that the Bridge was not only constructed successfully but continues to service commuters, even to the present day, although facing minor problems, as is expected over time. 

Initially the site earmarked for its installation was in the vicinity of Rahaman’s Park, but was later changed due to the location of the Demerara Sugar terminal, which it was felt would be in too close proximity.

It was then that a site between Bagotstown and Peter’s Hall on the East Bank and at Versailles on the West Bank was demarcated.  

Spanning the Demerara River at one of its widest points, covering more than 800ft, this floating steel structure is a massive 80,000 tons in weight, 6074ft in length, consisting of 61 spans supported by 122 pontoons.

The turning of the sod in May 1976 indicated the commencement of work. Two years later, in 1978, it was completed. And so history was made; the longest floating bridge in the world had been constructed.      

It was finally commissioned and open to the public by His Excellency, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham on July 2, 1978.Constructed by an all-Guyanese team, with Joseph Holder as the Civil Engineer, it is a testimony of the skill and ability of Guyanese.   

This structure, like many others, is a remarkable reminder of a very important aspect of our industrial heritage, and as such, it is imperative that we ensure its continuity.

To this end, the National Trust of Guyana, which undertakes to promote and safeguard the nation’s heritage, invites members of the community to take an active role in ensuring the long-term survival of Guyana’s patrimony by exercising care and respect at all times when visiting monuments and heritage sites. (Bhavana Gossai is a Research  & Documentation Officer at the National Trust of Guyana)