Water Taxi operators plying the Georgetown- Vreed-en-Hoop route have agreed to work around the clock and not increase their fares during the three-day closure of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge management in announcing the three-day closure of the bridge from the 24th July, said it is necessary to facilitate the replacement of span nine on the bridge.

During a meeting with boat operators,  the Maritime Administration’s Director General, Captain Stephen Thomas, assured the operators that his office will provide the necessary security along the waterways during the period they will be working, acknowledging that it is beyond the working hours of the boat operators.

Additional measures such as the increased Coast Guard patrols and the setting up of Police outposts at the Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop stellings will also be implemented by the joint task team, which is made up of the Guyana Police Force, the Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration.

A rescue boat and a water ambulance will also be on standby.

Persons are asked to exercise caution when getting in and leaving the water taxi’s. A call has also been made for persons to give first priority to elderly and persons living with disability.

The Guyana Defence Force has also offered the use of four 30-seater buses to shuttle persons on the West Bank from the Demerara Harbour Bridge to Vreed-en-Hoop.

Prolong closure of the Demerara Harbour bridge in the past resulted in Chaos at both sides of the river. The authorities are now working overtime to ensure that there is a smooth flow for the three days while the bridge is closed.

Last October the Demerara Harbour Bridge was closed for days when it was hit and damaged by a fuel tanker.

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