Final Concrete Tower Cast for New Demerara River Bridge Amid Concerns Over Completion Deadline
Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News –
Cement was poured on the final concrete tower of the New Demerara River Bridge on Saturday night, marking a significant milestone in the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, accompanied by a team of engineers and representatives from China Railway Construction International Limited, visited the site to observe the final tower pour. He told media operatives that the next phase of the project includes the installation of 17 cable-stayed sections spanning 570 meters across the channel.
“We have already completed 350 meters across the channel. What remains is another 220 meters before the bridge is connected,” Edghill stated.
However, former Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson remains critical of the project’s progress. He argues that the bridge will not meet the government’s August 31, 2025 completion deadline.
“Right now, it’s just slabs. You have to pave it, install lighting—there’s a lot left to do. But instead of admitting they’ve failed, they’re hiding behind distractions,” Patterson asserted.
He further claimed that despite the massive sums invested, the project was an example of poor planning and mismanagement.
“In five years and with billions—maybe trillions cumulatively—this government hasn’t successfully completed a single major project,” Patterson claimed.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to connect Regions Three and Four, facilitating toll-free vehicular access, including a dedicated bicycle lane and a 50-meter fixed high-span design that eliminates disruptions to marine traffic.
The bridge is being constructed for US$260 million, following a contract signed in May last year between the Government of Guyana and China Railway Construction Company Limited.
Despite skepticism from critics, the government has maintained that the bridge will be operational as scheduled, promising significant improvements in travel efficiency and economic connectivity.
