–Min. Edghill
-by Shamiah Grant
The 35 million US dollar Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge stands as the flagship of a massive regional transformation project, coming in June.
It joins an ambitious wave of infrastructure upgrades designed to bridge communities and fuel long-term growth across Guyana.
This is according to Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, who provided this update during the recent commissioning of the new office to manage the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge.
Edghill says the Wismar Mackenzie bridge is one of several projects that will benefit Linden.
“The Mackenzie Wismar Bridge is going to be ready for June, and that will be a big day in Linden and it is not only the Bridge but two access roads, with roundabout close to the Bridge and you would have seen already the improvements on the Linden Soesdyke highway so we are working very hard for June,” he said.
Meanwhile, the minister also updated on the plans for the old Demerara River Bridge.
“We are looking to use sections of the old Bridge to link the timbre Sand Hills road, the Bartica road… the geo technical is completed for that so it’s just a matter of getting the abutments design completed and get a contract in place. Sections of it will be used on the Leguan, wakenaam link,” he explained.
The Minister also shared that plans for a new Berbice River Bridge are underway, with negotiations and financing currently being finalised.
Additionally, talks are progressing for a bridge at Kurupukari across the Essequibo River. The proposed structure will replace the existing pontoon service providing a permanent link and improving regional connectivity.