Dear Editor,

The commissioning of the long awaited and much needed Berbice River Bridge is a remarkable achievement which goes to show the commitment of the People’s Progressive Party government to the development and modernisation of Guyana. As was included in the PPP’s manifesto and coined as a second generation project by President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Berbice River Bridge (BRB) is now a reality and a promise fulfilled.

The integral involvement of the private sector and its partnership with the Govern-ment of Guyana (GOG) is another indication of the confidence the business sector exhibits in the prudent management of the economy and GOG’s sound macroeconomic policies.

Financing for the project was being sought from as early as Dr Cheddi Jagan’s tenure as President of the republic.

It was not until a few years ago this aspect was concluded, with the major investors being private companies and agencies operating in Guyana.

Technical, legal, political, and economic logistics were finalised and the bidder, the European consortium of Bosch Rexroth and Mabey Johnson was contracted to commence civil works.

The bridge will go down in the annals of history as not only a structure that links the banks of the Berbice River, but as an economic and social bridge between the peoples who reside on either side. The economic, social, geographical, cultural and political prospects will now be expanded and improved significantly with the BRB.

Once the approach roads have been completed and the weight restrictions have been lifted we can expect to see the increase of trade and movement of goods and services as well as agricultural produce to new markets on both sides of the river. The transportation costs of freight, in additional to down time will be significantly reduced for goods and service providers.  The cargo carrying capacity of carriers will be automatically increased, since the BRB could accommodate a larger payload than the ferries.

It is likely that new public transportation routes would be designated to service areas around the BRB, and thus the need for additional public transportation.

This would result in the establishment and expansion of businesses along the new route on both sides of the river. With the new means of accessibility we can expect an increase in interest for domestic\regional tourism and expect an influx of vehicles and tourist from neighbouring Suriname.
The creation of direct and indirect employment should be noted. The new transportation link allows for quick and easy access to the capital city as well as Regions 5 and 6 and this would ensure that residents further benefit from more efficient government and social services.

There is however much speculation, in some circles, as it relates to the tolls that were sanctioned by cabinet and are being charged by the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BCCI). Some have already made pronouncements to the effect that the tolls are restrictive and exorbitant.
The toll structure that was established by the Berbice Bridge Company for cars and buses seems to be justifiable, since one needs to take into account the Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) system that is in place. Revenues garnered from the bridge will be used for the administration, operations, and maintenance of the structure.

One must also be cognisant of the fact that the operations of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) fleet of vessels are subsidised by the Government of Guyana, in an effort to keep costs for the service affordable for all Guyanese; had the ferries being privately operated, the costs would have surpassed those of the current BRB toll structure.

The vehicle tolls which are about ten per cent higher than the existing ferry crossing tolls for a return trip could also be justified by the reduction of almost three to four hours waiting time at peak ferry crossings, in addition to passengers not being required to pay an additional per person cost.
For example, four passengers and a driver travelling in car, would have to pay $780 for the vehicle and $300 for the occupants (5x$60) which totals $1080. For the return they would have to pay another $1080 for a grand total of the return trip being $2160.

These commuters must spend, at minimum,  between two to four hours total crossing time on  both sides of the river depending on the peak or non peak hours.

With the BRB the return toll is $2200 and it takes less than fifteen minutes from the D’Edward side to the Crab Island\Palmyra side , charging that vehicle and commuters $40  more.

Additionally the tolls charged compares to those that are charged internationally.

There is no doubt that the regular commuters on the ferry crossings would benefit tremendously from this initiative since the ferries have been unable to adequately service the increased demand for crossings, a problem compounded by an aging fleet of T&HD steamers.

The BRB is indeed a dream and a wish come true to many; it opens new possibilities for economic prosperity, significantly improves national infrastructure and integrates our country’s transportation and communication systems.

Kudos to the Government of Guyana, the consortium of investors, the Berbice Bridge Company and all those who  would contribute to the success of the project.

Yours faithfully,
Ronald Harsawack