Berbice Bridge is breaking down, breaking down....

Chief Executive Officer of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc, Omadat Samaroo today informed the Government Incompetent News Agency (GINA) that efforts are being made to resolve the problems currently being experienced at the Berbice River Bridge.

During the testing period in January a flaw was found in the design of the ramps for the retractor span posing difficulties in lifting the ramps as such they are being operated manually with a mechanical jack. This adds on some 20 minutes more to the usual retraction period. He explained that the bridge is still being opened automatically with only the ramps needing manual assistance.

He said the manufacturer has been contacted and a preliminary design of a hydraulic system has been sent which is likely to be agreed upon.

Additionally he informed that this installation of the hydraulic system is expected to take place at the end of April and last for approximately four days.

Samaroo posited that the company will liaise with the Ministry of Public Works to provide adequate ferry service for the short period. Also the company will notify the public one month in advance of the closure.

Commuters are being asked to understand that this work is necessary for the efficient running of the bridge, he said.

The Company will not be facing any new cost from the manufacturer since it is still in the “liability period.”

The bridge was commissioned on December 23, 2008 by President Bharrat Jagdeo. It starts from D’Edward village, West Coast Berbice and stretches across to Crab Island, on the Eastern Bank.

This structure is a dream realised for Guyana and the administration has been providing a valuable service for Guyanese as it reduces the travel time that was formerly experienced with the ferry at Rosignol to New Amsterdam.