Bridge employees have nothing to fear – Jagdeo on toll removal

Talks are ongoing between the Government and the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) to determine the way forward for employees following the removal of the bridge tolls from August 1.

“I don’t know where they are now [with the talks] but clearly there would be some arrangement…We’ll still need to operate the bridge until the new bridge comes onstream, which would be a while from now,” Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo told reporters on Thursday.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali last weekend announced that the Berbice, Wismar and Demerara bridges will be toll-free from August 1.

“The employees have nothing to fear,” Jagdeo said.

As it relates to the Wismar Bridge, he said discussions will have to commence with the Town Council in Linden.

For the DHB, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill had previously assured that the toll collectors and other employees will not be left jobless when the new bridge opens.