–Minister Edghill says; urges MARAD to complete investigation of incident in a timely manner

DESPITE Sunday’s incident at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill has said that swift action by several teams resulted in unhindered operations at the bridge and scheduled retraction at 04:00hrs on Monday.
Reports are that a motor tug and barge, which was engaged at the construction site of the New Demerara River Bridge, drifted and came in contact with four buoys and two pontoons to the southern section of the DHB.

Providing an update on the situation during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Minister Edghill said: “We have successfully had our retraction at 4am this morning (Monday) to allow for marine traffic, and we have successfully completed the double lane this morning (Monday) as well. I am pleased to say that the bridge operated as normal, and right now I must also say that the tug and barge that collided with the bridge have been removed.”

Regarding the current state of the bridge and the estimated cost of the damage, the minister said: “The technical staff of the DHB is working tirelessly to ensure that the structure is realigned. They are also accessing the damage, the cost, and what needs to be done. While all of this is happening, the bridge will remain operational.”
Minister Edghill said that people in any field of work need to be vigilant and take extra precaution to ensure that the safety of all is protected.

“I just finished speaking with the Director- General of MARAD, and I asked that the investigation be completed in the shortest possible time. While we are awaiting the result of the investigation, I would also like to caution all employees, especially those that are working in the fields, truck and vehicular drivers, boats, machinery operations, etc. to be extra careful in making sure that you are looking out for the welfare of others,” he said, adding:

“Whatever we are doing, make sure that we double and triple check; we cannot afford to be careless and make mistakes that can be prevented, if only we are careful and thoughtful. Like I said to the truck drivers last Saturday at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, we understand that people are working to provide for their families, but we cannot afford to risk taking away the next possible lawyer or doctor in our families because of someone not taking the necessary precaution.”
Minister Edghill said that thankfully, there were no injuries on Sunday, and the collision did not cause the DHB to lose service.