By Celestine Chacon
February 1, 2025
Employees of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) will not be left without jobs once the new Demerara River Bridge becomes operational.
This assurance was given by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, during the Parliamentary Committee of Supply’s review of the 2025 budget estimates on Friday.
The matter was raised by Opposition Member of Parliament, David Patterson, who expressed concerns about the job security of the 155 Guyanese workers currently employed at DHBC.
However, Minister Edghill dismissed any fears of job losses, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring continued employment for the workers.
“This caring government will not throw any of them to the curb because of a new bridge. We will not do that. That is not in our DNA, it is not our modus operandi, it is not in our conscience. We are a caring government,” Edghill stated.
The minister further revealed that the matter had already been addressed with DHBC employees earlier this year, on January 1.
He highlighted that their specialised skills would remain in demand, particularly for the dismantling and potential relocation of the existing bridge.
“Their services will always be needed. We haven’t gotten to the stage of severance. They will continue to be employed somewhere. If we are moving the bridge to take it to some other location, not they have to carry it, they have to dismantle it, they have to fix it back,” he explained.
The new Demerara River Bridge, which is expected to enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion, is set to become operational later this year.