Construction of new Berbice River Bridge to create numerous job opportunities for locals – Dr Singh

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for finance and the public service Dr Ashni Singh has remarked that numerous job opportunities will become available for residents of Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) as the government moves swiftly ahead with plans to construct a new bridge over the Berbice River.

During a recent public outreach at Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, Berbice, Minister Singh remarked, “if you think about it, that (the bridge) will create hundreds of jobs during the construction phrase, and once it is completed and cargo can come over, you can imagine the opportunities and the implication on the cost of goods as well.”

The government has already shortlisted seven pre-qualified bidders from an initial pool of nine companies for the project. Among those were four Chinese companies, three from India, one from Canada and the lone local company, Rockey & Son Construction.

The shortlisted firms were required to submit price quotations for the project, which will replace the current 1.57-kilometre floating structure across the Berbice River.

The New Berbice River Bridge will be a modern fixed-span structure, eliminating the need for retractions, and ensuring continuous traffic flow for both marine and vehicular transportation.

As part of the project, the Government has already acquired approximately 50 properties on the eastern side of the Berbice River to facilitate construction.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali first introduced the idea of a new bridge in October 2022, and in his recent New Year Address, he had confirmed that construction will begin this year. The Head of State also assured that the Berbice River Bridge will be built to the same modern standards as the new Demerara River Bridge, currently under construction.