Days after President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that all tolls at the main bridges across the country will be eliminated as of August 1, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said the employees at these bridges have nothing to fear.
President Ali’s declaration was made in Berbice on Sunday, where tolls are currently the highest in the nation.
At present, crossing the Berbice River Bridge costs $1,900 for cars, while the toll for the Demerara River Bridge is $200. The Wismar Bridge in Linden has a toll of $60 for cars, with higher rates for larger vehicles.
“We still need to operate the bridge until the new bridge comes on stream which would be a while from now, the employees have nothing to fear about the government being part of this arrangement or taking over the bridge, they would have to work with the shareholders of that bridge,” the Vice President stated. He was referring to the privately run Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated.
The Vice President revealed that discussions are going on with the Berbice Bridge company on the toll free initiative.
Meanwhile, the financial proposals for the new Berbice River Bridge, a massive, modern structure are expected to be reviewed soon, Dr Jagdeo revealed.
“The financial proposal for the new Berbice Bridge to mirror that of the Demerara Bridge will be opened I think before the end of this month or next month, so we can award that,” Dr Jagdeo said.
As it relates to the Wismar Bridge in Linden, following the toll free announcement, Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon expressed concern about the lack of consultation with the town council.
In a statement, Solomon said the council has historically relied on toll revenue for funding essential services.
According to him, the toll from the Wismar-McKenzie Bridge generates approximately $6 million per month and over $70 million annually. This supports waste management, maintenance, and other municipal services. While the council has raised no objections to the removal of the toll, the decision presents a significant financial challenge for the municipality.
Asked about this on Thursday, the Vice President responded: “We would have to meet with the town council in Linden.”
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