JUST three days after a mishap which saw the jaws of a temporary pontoon failing, resulting in the section of the Demerara Harbour Bridge between span 60 and 61 submerging, the maintenance team successfully completed restoration works to restore normalcy at the structure. The 6,074 foot or 1.851-mile long floating toll bridge which is about 34 years old serves as a crucial link for transporting of goods and services on an efficient and effective basis.
Minister of Public Works, Mr. Robeson Benn, in an invited comment, expressed gratitude for the varying personnel who assisted in their capacities to assist.
“I thank – the GM, Engineers, Staff and workers who worked extremely hard to bring the facility back into service so soon after the mishap; and MARAD for their efforts in organising water taxis for persons to get across the Demerara River at night and ensuring the safety of passengers,” Minister Benn said.
General Manager of the Bridge, Rawlston Adams, since the mishap occurred, explained that the DHB’s maintenance team was in the vicinity executing works, and on Sunday last, installed a temporary pontoon. However, the jaws of the pontoon failed, causing it to take in water and sink.
The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) responded by issuing water taxis with temporary approval to install navigational lights so that they could have provided a 24 hrs service.
Many commuters, yesterday, were happy that the bridge, the main conduit between Regions Three and Four, was restored to normal service and underlined its importance in their daily existence.