Jagdeo dismisses AFC’s call for feasibility study on Berbice Bridge replacement

He highlighted that this study, conducted by a company that submitted an unsolicited proposal, was approved by the cabinet in a manner that bypassed the open tendering process, violating the Procurement Act.

“This study was done by a company that made an unsolicited proposal to the minister. They cancelled the bid process; this company walked into the ministry and handed a proposal to the minister and his staff. [The minister] then took the proposal to the cabinet, bypassed the tendering system…that is illegal,” he said.

Dr. Jagdeo criticized the cabinet’s actions, stating that they exceeded their authority by approving the contract rather than merely providing a “no-objection” as stipulated by the Procurement Act.

He further compared this to the current bridge project, noting the previous study’s shortcomings and the cabinet’s use of Demerara Harbour Bridge Company funds for what he called a minimal improvement.

He also took aim at the opposition for its negative stance on development and its tendency to spread misinformation for political gain. Dr. Jagdeo underscored that the new Berbice Bridge will greatly benefit Guyanese, boosting connectivity between Demerara and Berbice.

On the development front, the government has already kicked off the construction of the new Demerara River crossing—a $260 million project set to alleviate traffic congestion and open up new areas for development in Region Three.

Additionally, a $35 million bridge is on the way to replace the single-lane bridge connecting Wismar to McKenzie in Linden, promising smoother commutes and support for the manufacturing sector.