reaffirms commitment to New Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge amid political criticism

IN a strong response to opposition criticism, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, declared that “infantile politics” would not impede the completion of the New Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge or any other development projects in Linden or across Guyana. Speaking during a recent visit to the mining town, the Minister addressed growing concerns among opposition members regarding the bridge’s progress.

“It is 2024, and Guyanese should frown upon the infantile politics and childish behaviours of the opposition,” Minister Edghill stated, underscoring the importance of moving forward with significant infrastructure developments. He noted that, although the new four-lane bridge was not part of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) manifesto, the government recognised the necessity of widening the structure to meet current demands.

Edghill criticised the opposition’s previous proposal for a two-lane bridge, which he claimed prioritised the interests of consultants rather than the community’s needs.
“This government is looking to provide jobs for the masses,” he asserted, adding that the new four-lane Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge will be toll-free, offering significant benefits to local taxi drivers, minibuses, and delivery services.
To facilitate the ongoing construction, the Minister highlighted the need for specific adjustments, including the creation of a bypass to ensure operational efficiency. The contractors are currently working on installing a temporary bridge or scaffolding, which will allow them to create a platform without congesting the existing bridge and disrupting traffic flow.

Minister Edghill expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, anticipating completion ahead of schedule. He also mentioned a consultation meeting held with local stakeholders to discuss the current state of the bridge and the newly created bypass.
However, he addressed concerns raised by the Mayor of Linden, Sharma Solomon, who called for work to be halted until the government addressed issues with Noitgedacht Road. Edghill criticised the mayor for spreading misinformation regarding the safety of the laterite soil, asserting that the government would not proceed with any work unless it was deemed safe.

“Certain minerals can be found in lateritic materials, but in proportions that are not harmful to life,” he explained. He cautioned against creating unnecessary hysteria to hinder development.
The US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge project, which was signed in partnership with the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited in January, is expected to connect with 45 bridges currently under construction along the Linden-Lethem route. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has stated that the new bridge will generate significant opportunities for Region 10, positioning it as an engineering, mechanical, and logistical hub for trade between Brazil and the Caribbean.

The President highlighted the increasing traffic across the existing bridge, which saw around 768,000 vehicular crossings in 2020—a figure that had doubled to nearly 1.5 million by 2022. The new bridge aims to alleviate traffic congestion for hundreds of residents in Linden while enhancing the region’s connectivity and economic potential.