By Mikaila Prince
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (DPI) – The government of Guyana has received several bids from companies seeking to conduct the feasibility study and preliminary design for the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge. The highly-anticipated structure will connect Guyana and its neighbour to the east, Suriname.
During last week’s bid opening at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), four firms submitted six tenders to secure the project. Companies include Exp Services Incorporated and Pedelta Acr and Cemco ($4,853,500); TYPSA Lhardt, Andra in partnership with Crumb H and Firm ($122,858); TYPSA Lhardt, Andra in partnership with Crumb H and Firm ($3,292,865); EGIS ($2,377,454; WSP Caribbean Limited ($540,864); WSP Caribbean Limited ($1,865,050).
The bridge will be constructed using a Design-Build Finance Model through a private partnership arrangement with incentives given by both governments to the preferred bidder.
The bridge is expected to be 1.17 kilometres from Guyana to the abutment on long Island, 2.15 kilometres road through Long Island and a 2.5 kilometres bridge from Long Island to South Drain in Suriname.
The two countries had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the bridge, during a joint press conference. His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali had said at that time said the bridge would link not only Guyana and Suriname, but the rest of South America.
“We recognise the enormous benefits that this can bring in the area of tourism, transportation and trade. To this end, we have expanded our discussions where we can jointly promote business opportunities and tourism opportunities for both countries.
It is therefore expected that the proposed road alignment will create within its vicinity the possibilities for free trade zone, enhanced land value, reduce the cost of doing business and increase the ease of doing business,” president Ali had outlined.
Suriname’s president, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi had stated that the bridge would mark a new era for both countries in several areas.
“This bridge on the Corentyne River is not only important to facilitate the movement of persons and goods, trade and cross border cooperation, it also symbolises a transition from the old to a new era; the era of wellbeing and prosperity of our people and freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” the Surinamese president said.
Guyana and Suriname have shared diplomatic relations since November 25, 1975.
