The preparation works for the construction of the new US$260M bridge across the Demerara River is moving apace, according to the Ministry of Public Works’ Permanent Secretary, Vladim Persaud.

Persaud made the disclosure as he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) at the Public Buildings today to respond to a number of issues raised in the Report of the Auditor General for the Year 2019 in relation to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, as it was called then.

“Works are moving a pace on the new Demerara Harbour Bridge River crossing. As it is right now, the company is putting in place what is called their temporary work bridges that would be used for the setting up and the piling system that has to go in place,” he told the Committee.

It was explained that steel piles, which are currently being imported from China, are being used to build the temporary bridges. Persaud said as the piles arrive in the country, they are being installed.

“Additionally, the company already has locations on the west bank and also the east bank in terms of landing facility and operational yard,” the Permanent Secretary further detailed.

The four-lane, high-span bridge is being constructed by J.V. China Railway Construction Corporation (International) in partnership with China Railway Caribbean Company Limited.

In 2019, the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma flagged the payment of $100M for the project.

It was explained that while the sum of $100M was allocated in 2019 by the National Assembly, it was not until 2020 that the Demerara Harbour Bridge received the funds in breach of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act.

COVID-19 and the restrictions that followed were blamed for the delay in payment. The issue has since been resolved.

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