…Feasibility study cites low environmental impact

THE Feasibility Study and Design for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge has successfully been completed, and a copy of the document was on Wednesday presented to Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson.

The 57-page final report was presented by the project team, which includes Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation General Manager and Project Manager, Rawlston Adams; Chief Transport and Planning Officer, Patrick Thompson and Mr Arie Mol,Team Leader of the consulting company, Lievense CSO.

During the handing over, a rundown on its main conclusions were highlighted, the ministry said in a release. From the feasibility study, it was determined that the proposed location of Houston-Versailles was the most ideal. It was further noted that the bridge should be a low-level one with a movable part and three-lanes. This structure, it said, provided the most socio-economic benefits for Guyana and led to the lowest urban environmental impact. Furthermore, it was recommended that the promotion of alternative transportation routes should be encouraged to lend to the longevity of the new bridge.

The completion of the feasibility study paves the way for the next stage, the pre-qualification of contractors for the construction of the bridge. This process has already begun and will conclude on October 17.
Meanwhile, both Mr. Adams of DHBC and Mr. Thompson of MPI noted the preparations that were undertaken during the feasibility stage to ensure the successful completion of key components.

Thompson noted that during the preparation of the feasibility study, all possible stakeholders, including those from the private and public sectors and neighbourhood and regional democratic councils, were consulted. In fact, Mr. Adams added, the project team met with the Land and Surveys Department on Wednesday for advice on the surveying and the acquisition of the land. The team also met with the Environmental Protection Agency on proceeding with the necessary environmental study.

“All in all, we’re confident that once we work together and everyone puts their shoulder to the wheel, we can get this project moving along smoothly,” Adams said. Thompson added that challenges, such as land acquisition, will have to be faced, but he stressed that the team is up to the challenge.

Upon receipt of the report, Minister Ferguson thanked the team for its dedication to the project and extended special thanks to Mol for satisfactorily delivering the report. In response, Mol expressed his honour and gratitude for the support received from the Guyanese team and emphasised that his counterparts had enabled the entire team to work as one effective unit.