THE sum of $338M was allocated for rehabilitation of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) and Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Robeson Benn assured, Thursday night,that the funding approved by the Parliamentary Committee of Supply is adequate.The minister was responding to queries by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Joseph Harmon, in the National Assembly.
Benn explained that the structure is well maintained in fairly good condition but acknowledged that there is always some risk, with respect to engineering elements, in relation to “aspects of fatigue” at some parts.
He gave the assurance, though, that this matter is being addressed through recommendations put forward by the engineers.
“This (funding) would be adequate for 2014,” Benn reiterated.
Harmon, last week, during his presentation on Budget 2014, called on Government to expedite work on the replacement and make full disclosure of the project details, given the volume of traffic with approximately 17,000 daily crossings over the decades-old facility.
Already completed
DHB General Manager, Mr. Rawlston Adams, last February, had revealed that the feasibility study for the new bridge was already completed, with Versailles, West Bank Demerara and Houston, East Bank Demerara, determined to have the best advantage in terms of location.
He said, Good Hope, East Bank Demerara and Patentia, West Bank Bank Demerara were cited as possible alternative locations.
Government had indicated that it will invite ‘Expressions of Interest’ for a public/private partnership in the construction of the new bridge.
Benn, at that time, reported that any such arrangements will be handled by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL)) and not his ministry, since that is the agency which attends to such projects.
He further explained the reason for that kind of arrangement is because the Government does not have the money it will take to finance the venture.
Benn also reported that a fresh water environment is the perfect habitat in which to relocate the DHB replacement, with the Kurupukari Crossing on Upper Demerara River being identified as the likely place.
The new edifice will be of reinforced concrete, featuring four lanes (some 20 metres wide) for vehicular traffic; a walkway for pedestrians; a cycle lane; navigational clearance (100 metres wide); navigational aids and an estimated length of 2,250 metres.
By Vanessa Narine