A PROPOSAL for an increase in the rates for vehicles which traverse the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) is before Cabinet and if green-lighted, the increase could result in an adjustment of revenue funnelled to the bridge’s capital expenditure.This was highlighted yesterday when the new board of directors of the DHB received their instruments of appointment in the boardroom of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure at Wight’s Lane in Kingston. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and junior Minister, Annette Ferguson, officiated at the event.
Minister Ferguson, while delivering the charge to the new members of the board, noted that before the members were identified, the DHB General Manager, Rawlston Adams had submitted a proposal to the ministry seeking an increase in the rates for vehicular traffic.
“That document is currently with cabinet awaiting approval,” Minister Ferguson said.
She said that in 2015, the closing balance of the bridge’s finances indicated a profit, an indication that the company was providing a critical service. Minister Ferguson pointed out that there were issues which the new board would have to face, including the daily traffic which can be a constraint to passengers and motorists.
She expressed trust that a new system would be devised to ensure better control of traffic on the bridge;and she added that a pre-feasibility study had seen a schedule being put in place regarding a new structure. This is to enable works on the new bridge.
Minister Patterson, while addressing the,stressed the importance of the workers, noting that they were the most valuable assets. He said the board should have plans in place to include their concerns.
Board chairman Shabir Hussein noted that it was the employees who literally keep the bridge afloat, as he noted their willingness to work around the clock at the bridge whenever the need arises.
He said that previously a matter discussed, was the issue of insurance for employees, which was suggested in the event someone may meet some unfortunate event.” If, God forbid, something goes wrong, we must be able to have something in place for the families of employees”, Hussein said.

As regards increased rates, in comparison to the Berbice Bridge, some consideration should be given, as he quickly noted it is not an issue he is insistent on at this time. However, he noted that it can reduce the DHB request for financial assistance from the national budget.
On this note, Minister Patterson reiterated that an increase in rates to use the bridge would not be reflected in today’s national budget presentation.
In addition to Hussein, other members who will sit on the board are Joseph Holder, who will serve as vice-chairman, Rafeza Hussein, Claudette Rogers of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD),and Mandy Sukhdeo. Adams will serve as an ex-officio member and a place has been left vacant for a union representative .
Plans have been in train to establish a new bridge linking the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) with the West Bank and last November, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure invited fresh Expressions of Interest (EoI) from local and foreign consultants, in order to complete a feasibility study and design for the new bridge across the Demerara River.
Three possible sites have already been examined and they include a link between Houston, EBD to Versailles WBD, New Hope, EBD to Laurentia Catherina, WBD or a site close to the existing bridge.