says Chinese Embassy official

THE highly anticipated new Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), currently under construction by China Railway Construction International Limited (CRCCL), is slated for completion by the end of August 2025, according to Chargé d’Affaires Rui Huang of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday following a site visit, Huang described the project as “iconic,” emphasising its scale, significance, and the strong partnership between Guyana and China. “I want to salute the efforts in the Guyana-China friendship which is strong,” he stated.
Huang, joined by other Chinese officials, got a first-hand view of the progress at the bridge site, which features a towering structure that reaches 116 metres at its highest point—offering clear views of the city limits.

The $260 million (USD) bridge is being hailed as a transformational piece of infrastructure for Guyana and the wider South American region. It will be the first fixed, high-span, four-lane, cable-stayed bridge of its kind in South America, stretching 2.65 kilometres and featuring a 23.6-metre driving surface. A key highlight is the inclusion of a bicycle lane and a 50-metre fixed-high span, eliminating the need for bridge closures due to marine traffic.

The structure will link Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara to La Grange on the West Bank and will accommodate vehicles of all sizes and weights. Once completed, it is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity between key economic regions.
Huang noted that the bridge’s construction is also a major contributor to local employment. Currently, the project employs around 1,500 individuals, including 25 Chinese engineers and over 300 skilled Guyanese workers, in addition to engaging more than 100 local suppliers. Workers are reportedly operating around the clock to meet the August deadline.

The importance of the project was previously underscored during a site visit by President Irfaan Ali earlier this year. One of its standout features will be a monument bearing the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH)—Guyana’s second-highest national award—symbolising the national pride associated with the structure.

Upon completion, the new DHB is expected to stand not only as a key transport link but as a landmark of engineering, diplomacy, and development.