— dismisses opposition claims as misleading following on-site inspection

MINISTER of Public Works, Juan Edghill, on Saturday, moved to set the record straight on the capacity and completion status of the Kobreimo Bridge in Mabaruma, Region One, rejecting as false claims circulated by sections of the opposition on social media.
In a video statement issued following an on-site inspection, the minister dismissed assertions that the bridge is a one-lane structure and remains unfinished, describing both claims as inaccurate and misleading.
Standing on the bridge as vehicles passed in both directions, Minister Edghill said his inspection confirmed that the structure is fully constructed, accommodates two-way traffic, and is currently undergoing standard post-construction curing procedures.

Beyond addressing the physical condition of the bridge, the minister also issued a pointed warning on responsibility in public discourse, calling on legislators, elected officials and media practitioners to ensure claims placed in the public domain are properly verified.
Providing an update from the site, Minister Edghill reiterated that the recent criticisms were inconsistent with engineering reports and on-the-ground realities.
The $74,766,500 project, executed by Aruca Investment, commenced in June 2025 and involved the construction of a temporary bypass, demolition and reconstruction of the existing 40-foot bridge, extension of the structure, and the installation of additional deep foundation piles to strengthen the abutments.
These works facilitated the conversion of the former one-lane timber bridge into a reinforced two-lane structure capable of safely accommodating both light and heavy vehicular traffic.
“I am here myself as the Minister of Public Works to verify and to ensure that what my engineers told me was truthful and factual as compared to the videos that were circulating on social media. We were told that this bridge is a one-lane bridge. We know that number one, the report that came from sections of the opposition were not factual. It is a two-lane bridge. Number two, they said it was not completed; the bridge is completed,” the Minister said.
The Ministry of Public Works previously acknowledged that the project timeline experienced logistical extensions. However, it clarified that these periods did not represent inactivity, but were necessary to meet technical specifications and ensure long-term durability.
Contrary to claims of stagnation, physical works continued steadily throughout 2025. The ministry confirmed that as of January 15, 2026, the Kobreimo Bridge has been fully operational for both light and heavy vehicular traffic, restoring unrestricted access along the Main Road.
Minister Edghill further explained that infrastructural projects of this nature require curing periods after concrete works are completed to ensure structural integrity.
“When concrete work is completed, you have to give it curing time before you have all the traffic on it. That is why oftentimes we cast in stages to allow for still access, and the area just needed cleaning up. And here we are in Region One, contrary to the misinformation spread, another vehicle is passing while we are here, another vehicle is parked on the bridge,” he said.
Using the incident to underscore a wider concern, the minister said the spread of misinformation on infrastructural projects has become increasingly frequent and damaging.
“It is required of all of us as legislators and as elected officials that whenever we say something and we are fact-checked and that is something we have to start doing in Guyana. When people go to social media and post misinformation, or journalists practise yellow journalism, it must be able to be fact-checked and the information made public. They made an issue where there was no issue,” he stated.
The Ministry of Public Works reaffirmed its commitment to delivering infrastructure that is durable, safe and fit for purpose, noting that projects such as the Kobreimo Bridge remain critical transportation and economic lifelines for communities across Region One.