Bridge accident delays West Dem pension payments

Pensioners on the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara Monday morning turned up at post offices to collect their pensions, only to be told that cash to make the payments will be late.

They were not given a time as to when their pensions will be available.

The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) in a statement said that the delay is due to the closure of the Demerara Harbour Bridge. In the statement the GPOC apologized for any inconvenience caused.

The bridge will be closed until further notice after a tug and a barge collided with the bridge early Monday.

The closure of the bridge has affected thousands of commuters who use it to cross from West Demerara to the East Bank and Georgetown.

The closure also comes on the first day of the new academic school year.

With the bridge down, the only means of crossing the river is by way of speedboat from Vreed-en-hoop to Georgetown.

Police officers and (Maritime Administration Department) MARAD officers were able to calm the confusion at the Vreed-en-Hoop and Georgetown stellings, with organized lines for passengers going and coming.

Passengers were also seen offloading at the Harbour Master’s Wharf.