Gov’t assessing use of old Demerara Harbour Bridge at Kwakwani

The Government of Guyana is assessing whether sections of the existing Demerara Harbour Bridge can be used to bridge the Berbice River at Kwakwani, Region 10, according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill.

Edghill, during an engagement with reporters on Sunday, said the head of his ministry’s Transport Planning Unit already visited Kwakwani to assess the possibility of bridging the river. A report has been submitted.

“I wouldn’t want to discuss that report this afternoon, right now, because we want to make sure we have everything in place before we go public with that report,” Edghill said however.

Old Demerara Harbour Bridge will not become ‘scrap iron’ – Edghill

The government is forging ahead with the establishment of the new Demerara Harbour Crossing, a four-lane high-span structure that is expected to reduce traffic congestion when it is completed by August 31, 2025.

As construction of that bridge moves ahead, several options for the productive use of the existing floating bridge are being considered. The bridge at Kwakwani is one option.

Edghill reminded reporters that the structure could also be used to join the Essequibo islands of Leguan and Wakenaam. Bridging the Essequibo River at Kurupukari using the existing Demerara Bridge is not likely to be pursued, as there are rapids and rocks there.