The Government is aiming to finalise the award of a contract for the construction of a new high-span Berbice River Bridge before the end of 2026, as technical and financial discussions on the major infrastructure project continue.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, speaking at a press conference at his Shiv Chanderpaul Drive office in Georgetown on Friday, said the evaluation process is progressing, with financing arrangements and contractual terms still under consideration.
“The technical evaluation team is working on this issue. Issues of financing, structuring of that financing and term sheets are being discussed,” the President explained.
He expressed optimism that the contract could be awarded well ahead of the year’s end.
The proposed four-lane bridge is intended to replace the existing floating structure, providing a modern crossing to improve the movement of people and goods between Regions Five and Six.
Preparatory works have already included the acquisition of approximately 50 properties on the eastern bank of the Berbice River to facilitate construction.
Seven pre-qualified companies were previously invited to submit price quotations, while a preferred bidder was identified in 2025.
In May of this year, President Ali had indicated that financing arrangements were nearing completion and that negotiations on the project’s final cost were at an advanced stage.
The 2026 National Budget also provides approximately $12.2 billion for the Berbice River Bridge and other major bridge projects.
Meanwhile, the President disclosed that efforts are continuing to arrange another high-level meeting between Guyana and Suriname to advance discussions on the proposed Corentyne River Bridge.
The meeting is expected to be hosted in Guyana, with the administration hoping to settle on a date before the end of 2026.
“At those meetings we will have all of the issues, challenges, opportunities identified and dealt with,” Ali stated.
The proposed US$236 million bridge would stretch approximately 3.1 kilometres across the Corentyne River, linking Moleson Creek in Guyana with South Drain in Suriname.
The project has been under bilateral consideration for several years, with both countries signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2020 to advance plans for the crossing.
Once realised, the bridge is expected to strengthen transportation links, facilitate cross-border trade and improve connectivity between the two neighbouring countries.
