The Government is on its way to securing ownership of the Berbice River Bridge.

This was disclosed following a question from Opposition MP Saiku Andrews, on the increase in budgetary appropriations for the maintenance of bridges. Minister of Public Works in response said that in addition to the maintenance of the Bridges across the Demerara River, the Berbice structure is included in this year’s budget.

“Based on the figures that I have been looking at, what it will be costing the treasury for the acquisition of the bridge would be less than if we had to pay tools from now and next year,” he told the House.

Minister Edghill reminded that following the removal of tolls on the bridges across the Demerara and Berbice Rivers, the government now absorbs the cost of operations and maintenance of those structures.

According to the minister, this means that all the staff from the bridge companies will now fall under the Public Works Ministry, resulting in an increased allocation for the maintenance of bridges.