Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill yesterday expressed his confidence in Wayne Watson, the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) and team who have been responsible for managing the DHBC’s daily operations since 2021.
A Ministry of Public Works press release said that under Watson’s guidance, the DHBC has achieved enhanced efficiency and cost effectiveness, while also implementing multiple projects to improve traffic management and customer service.
The press release followed a news item in yesterday’s Kaieteur News which was critical of Watson. The release did not refer to the news item.
The release said that part of the overall management improvement included the rehabilitation of damaged sections of the high span (retractor spans 9 and 10) and the subsequent replacement of span 9; the temporary bridge closure for span 9 installation was completed ahead of schedule. Other projects include rehabilitation of Booth 4, reopening of Lane 4 for traffic, widening of the Eastern tarmac, construction of concrete drains, rehabilitation of the Western tarmac, construction of public convenience facilities, and implementation of the Breeze pass service.
The release noted that enhancing the bridge’s structural integrity included procuring a motorized platform for the undercarriage and substructure maintenance along the bridge, rehabilitating 86 pontoons, replacing 465 new and rehabilitating 7515 deck plates, replacing 22,000 ft. of anchor chains, replacing 95,605 ft. of wire rope, rehabilitating the tug boat, installing 214 anchor blocks, cyclically rehabilitating 115 buoys, replacing 11 transom beams, replacing 288 junction connection posts, and acquiring a 22-ton self-loader, all of which has contributed to enhanced efficiency.
The DHBC release said it has acquired 15 and 32-seater buses for staff transportation, three police motorcycles to enhance traffic management, and rehabilitated an unused building at the Eastern end to house the Police Outpost and Traffic Management Supervisors’ Office. Another office building was constructed to accommodate junior and senior managers (Engineers), and a night premium for maintenance staff was introduced.
Meanwhile, the DHBC said that between 2021 and 2023, several individuals resigned, citing personal reasons, pursuing full-time studies, or migration. Notably, since 2021, the services of five staff have been terminated, four for poor work performance and one for insubordination. The release emphasized that DHBC is committed to following proper procedures when addressing reported grievances.
