Government’s latest move to establish a new Demerara River crossing has been primarily driven by demands from the heavy volume of traffic with goods and people daily, and the difficulties West Demerara commuters face in accessing transportation. Newly established housing schemes have also been a contributing factor, according to President Donald Ramotar who recently told members of the press about the task given to the Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn to draft a plan as early as possible to address the issue.
“We will be increasing the volume and… the capacity of the Demerara River crossing,” President Ramotar said.
Vehicles traversing the bridge minus the three days it was closed for emergency repairs accounted for 6.5% increase last year, according to General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams. There was also a 5.8% increase in vessels transiting the retractor span.
Works on the bridge done in 2012 include fabrication of buoys, servicing of pontoons, rehabilitation of cluster plies for the retractor span, and supply of wire ropes.
The bridge which last year was closed for emergency repairs due to a section that was submerged had undergone tremendous maintenance and rehabilitation with a $270M capital funding its operation.
This year, the Ministry of Public Works will prioritise the completion of feasibility study for a new Demerara Harbour Bridge, according to Manager of the Roads and Bridges Department, Ron Rahaman.
This year also will also see the fabricating of four extra large pontoons, two of which will be used for bridge maintenance works, and buoys, purchasing of shields, shackles and connecting posts, clamps and continued replacement of anchor chains. (GINA)