Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has announced that the construction a new four-lane bridge connecting Mackenzie to Wismar will commence before the end of 2023. The announcement was made at his press conference on Thursday. The bridge will cost US $35 million and will be funded through a loan from the Saudi Development Fund.
Dr. Jagdeo said there have been three offers so far, however it will be constructed by the same company that is building the new Demerara River bridge in Georgetown.
Recently, Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, on behalf of Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saudi Fund for Development, Mr. Sultan A. Al-Marshad for the construction of the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge.
Residents of Linden, especially commuters and regional officials have been calling for the project to be prioritized, more so with the construction of the Linden to Lethem Road construction. Motorists are already experiencing long waiting periods during peak hours to cross the bridge. This recently worsen with the movement of large machinery and heavy-duty trucks crossing daily with materials etc. for the Linden to Lethem Road construction.
A feasibility study for a new bridge was conducted under the previous administration.
Further, funding from the Saudi Development Fund will also cater for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 73 kilometres of the highway with two lanes undivided, nine bridges, and six culverts with improved design, quality and standards.
The project also includes ancillary works and road corridor improvements providing essential public administration support, improved connectivity with communities, roadside and other facilities.
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