New Demerara River Bridge to now be completed by December 2025

The US$260 million new Demerara River Bridge is now expected to be completed by the end of this year, according to President Irfaan Ali.

Construction of the new bridge was expected to be completed by March. The President made the announcement during his New Year’s Address to the Nation.

“By the end of 2025, the new Demerara River Bridge will be operational, and the East Bank to East Coast Bypass Road will be completed within months. This year, we will commence the construction of a new bridge across the Berbice River, and advance works on the Wismar Bridge,” the President said.

The new Demerara River Bridge, which is being constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, was first scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.

The President has said that when completed there will be no toll for crossing, and he believes it will provide new opportunities in business and development.

The President said in this new year, his Government will also roll out a number of key infrastructure projects as it expands the country’s road network.

“In 2025, we will continue to work for a safer country and safer communities – where people and their property are safe. This year we will accelerate the rollout of the Smart Country Programme and the deployment of smarter technology and intelligence-driven policing. In this new year, we will launch a Safer Roadways initiative that will involve better designed highways and roadways, strengthened enforcement of road safety laws and the use of technology-based solutions to stem the unacceptable level of road accidents and fatalities,” the President explained.

Meanwhile, reflecting on 2024, President Ali said since taking office his Administration has focused on transforming the country into a prosperous nation where national prosperity translates into community, household and individual well-being.

He said Guyana continues to be the shining star of global economic growth.

“The numbers speak for themselves: for the fifth consecutive year, our economy grew at an extraordinary pace, leading the world in economic performance. But here’s the best part—this growth is not confined to oil. Our non-oil sectors have expanded by more than 40% since 2019, and our non-oil exports are steadily climbing. This is the result of deliberate planning and diversification of our economy, ensuring that our growth is broad-based,” he pointed out.

In the face of rising food prices and a steep rise in cost of living, the Government has provided a range of support to Guyanese including subsidizing the cost of fuel and electricity, increased wages for public servants, teachers, and members of the Disciplined Services, and increased pension for the elderly, the President noted.