Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 01, 2009 Letters
Dear Editor,
The commissioning of the long awaited and much needed Berbice River Bridge is a remarkable achievement which goes to show the commitment of the People’s Progressive Party government to the development and modernisation of Guyana.
As was included in the PPP’s manifesto and coined as a second generation project by His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Berbice River Bridge (BRB) is now a reality and a promise fulfilled.
The integral involvement of the private sector and its partnership with the Government of Guyana (GOG) is another indication of the confidence the business sector exhibits in the prudent management of the economy and GOG’s sound macroeconomic policies.
Financing for the project was being sought from as early as Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s tenure as President of the Republic. It was not until a few years ago this aspect was concluded, with the major investors being private companies and agencies operating in Guyana. Technical, legal, political, and economic logistics were finalised and the bidder, the European consortium of Bosch Rexroth and Mabey Johnson, was contracted to commence civil works.
The bridge will go down in the annals of history as not only a structure that links the banks of the Berbice River, but as an economic and social bridge between the peoples that reside on either side. The economic, social, geographical, cultural and political prospects will now be expanded and improved significantly with the BRB.
Once the approach roads have been completed and the weight restrictions have been lifted, we can expect to see the increase of trade and movement of goods and services as well as agricultural produce to new markets on both sides of the
river. Transportation costs of freight, in addition to down time, will be significantly reduced for goods and service providers. The cargo carrying capacity of carriers will be automatically increased, since the BRB could accommodate a larger pay load than the ferries.
It is likely that new public transportation routes would be designated to service areas around the BRB, and thus the need for additional public transportation. This would result in the establishment and expansion of businesses along the new route on both sides of the river. With the new means of accessibility, we can expect an increase in interest for domestic/regional tourism and expect an influx of vehicles and tourists from neighbouring Suriname.
The creation of direct and indirect employment should be noted. The new transportation link allows for quick and easy access to the Capital City as well as Regions 5 and 6, and this would ensure that residents further benefit from more efficient Government and social services.
There is, however, much speculation, in some circles, as it relates to the tolls that were sanctioned by Cabinet and is being charged by the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BCCI). Some have already made pronouncements to the effect, that the tolls being charged are restrictive and exorbitant.
The toll structure that was established by the Berbice Bridge Company for cars and buses seems to be justifiable, since one needs to take into account the Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) system that is in place. Revenues garnered from the Bridge will be used for the administration, operations, and maintenance of the structure.
One must also be cognisant of the fact that the operations of the Transportation and Harbours Department (T&HD) fleet of vessels are subsidised by the Government of Guyana, in an effort to keep costs for the service affordable for all Guyanese; as such had the ferries being privately operated, the costs would have surpassed that of the current BRB toll structure.
The vehicle tolls which are about ten percent higher than the existing ferry crossing tolls for a return trip yields far more utility and could also be justified by the reduction of almost three to four hours waiting time at peak ferry crossings, in addition to passengers not being required to pay an additional per person cost.
An example: four passengers and a driver travelling in car, would have to pay $780.00 for the vehicle and $300 for the occupants (5*$60.00) which totals $1080.00. For the return they would have to pay another $1080.00 for a grand total of the return trip being $2,160.00.These commuters must spend, at minimum, between two to four hours total crossing time on both sides of the river depending on the peak or non peak hours.
With the BRB the return toll is $2,200.00 and it merely takes less than 15 minutes from the D’Edward side to the Crab Island\Palmyra side, charging that vehicle and commuters G$40 more.
Additionally the tolls charged compares to those that are charged internationally.
Tolls are compared as follows:
Bridge Length Toll (Cars) Toll Type TOTAL RETURN COST GUYANA DOLLAR ( exc. rate $ 202)
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge 1149.10 meters US $5.00 Both directions tolling US $10.00 $ 2020.00
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge 4176 meters US $10.00 One way tolling US $10.00 $ 2020.00
Throgs Neck Bridge 887 meters US $5.00 Both directions tolling US $10.00 $ 2020.00
Golden Gate Bridge 2737 meters US $5.00 Both directions tolling US $10.00 $ 2020.00
Berbice River Bridge 1570 meters US$10.89 One way tolling US$10.89 $2200.00
There is no doubt that the regular commuters of the Ferry crossings would benefit tremendously from this initiative since the Ferries have been unable to adequately service the increased demand for crossings , which is due to the tremendous increase of vehicular traffic over time, a problem compounded by an aging fleet of T&HD steamers.
The BRB is indeed a dream and a wish come through to many; it opens new possibilities for economic prosperity, significantly improves national infrastructure and integrates our country transportation and communication systems.
Kudos to the Government of Guyana, the consortium of investors, the Berbice Bridge Company and all those would contribute to the success of the project.
Ronald Harsawack
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