Commuters traversing the Demerara Habour Bridge (DHB) are expected to spend less time waiting on the removal of immobile or accident-wrecked vehicles, which can now be removed faster, thanks to the acquisition of a new Self-Loader Vehicle.
The $40 million vehicle, which was procured by the Government of Guyana, was commissioned yesterday by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, and DHB’s General Manager, Wayne Watson.
Edghill said that in the past, when vehicles became immobile, in a matter of minutes, a massive traffic buildup occurs due to the huge numbers of vehicles crisscrossing the bridge on a daily basis. He said that the traffic jam would spread across the East and West Bank of Demerara, hampering bridge users from going about their normal business. This, according to Edghill, caused the DHB team to respond in a timely manner and also with the right equipment.
Edghill also noted that the vehicle would aid in the moving of heavy equipment for bridge repairs and maintenance, which for years, has been a burden on the DHB’s budget.
“When you check the figures of what we have been paying for rentals during the hours of maintenance to be able to lift heavy items, the cost has been skyrocketing, and with the age of this bridge and the need for constant maintenance; rental and the cost for rental became a matter of concern”, Edghill noted.
The Minister posited that with the Self-Loader Vehicle, bridge commuters will see immediate improvement. “We are witnessing the enhancement of the capability to get things done at a faster rate, to respond in a timelier manner.”
Edghill also urged DHB staff to care the equipment since upkeep is always an issue.
“I want to ask that we care this equipment. When Government makes investments in acquiring things and we spend tens of millions of dollars, it’s always a concern about the maintenance of that equipment because the private sector seems to up their games in terms of regulating (and) managing and in the public sector we have some amount of concern,” Edghill said. The Self-Loader Vehicle can reportedly lift up to 15 tonnes and can also move a single 15-tonne vehicle on its trailer.
