Temporary structure for new Demerara River bridge...
(CRCCCL)] informed me that they are using a longer route through Cape Verde which was more reliable at the time,” he related. “So, most of the materials which were delayed are already in place.”
He told reporters that the bridge was being constructed in compliance with international engineering standards. Project Engineer Patrick Thompson, alongside another employee at the Ministry of Public Works and a consultant from Polytechnica, travelled to China back around November/December for two weeks to inspect all facilities where the materials are being fabricated before shipment, he said.
Edghill added that due to the magnitude and scope of the work being undertaken, it was important for the contracted company to have sufficient materials. He said Polytechnica is the consultancy firm that is overlooking the infrastructural development to ensure excellence.
Despite the significant delays, he said, the contracted company was able to bounce back on its feet and get things running as it is now working night and day.
He also addressed the subject of the company’s employees following stringent measures relating to occupational health and safety. According to him, so far, the company is abiding by these rules as safety is paramount.
“They have been given all the clear guidance and safety measures that are required to ensure transit is safe… The work of the contractor is not hindered and that no one is injured while transiting,” he said. “The contractor now has in place his platform so he could move in and out and expeditiously get this contract sorted out.”
Thompson added that the ministry has been ensuring that the workers practise good occupational, health and safety, while the contracted company is working 24 hours and 7 days per week on the bridge project.
As part of the contractual agreement, the minister was assured the project would be completed by the end of 2024.
CRCCCL has been working around the clock to make up for lost time and to stay ahead of schedule. Two new drilling machines were seen on site complementing the existing ones to accelerate drilling and preparatory pile works.
The 2.6-kilometre crossing, being built by China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Ltd in a joint venture with China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Company Ltd and China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Company Ltd, will link Nandy Park on the East Bank Demerara with La Grange on the West Bank Demerara. It will have four lanes, with a total width of 23.6 metres that include the median and the shoulders, providing sufficient room for safe and effective traffic flow.
Meanwhile, of the 371 people employed to work on the project, 180 are Chinese, 98 Guyanese, 85 Venezuelans, 1 Cuban, 5 Trinidadians and 2 Nigerians. Notably 90 of the 371 are indirect and 281 are direct labour.