Dear Editor,
As a kid growing up in Skeldon/Corriverton, I was among the many people of that area who dreamt of the day when there would be a bridge across the Berbice River because crossing by ferry was a big hassle and took many hours.
Today, I am pleased that this dream has become a reality. Building this bridge was a great feat. There is no question that it has brought huge relief for Berbicians and other travelers. Time is money. By cutting commuting time to and from Region Six significantly, the bridge is worth its weight in gold.
Let us give Jack his jacket. The Bharrat Jagdeo Government and the private sector deserve credit for taking up the challenge to build the bridge. It was a novel initiative based on a unique private and public-sector partnership at a time when Guyana did not have the money to pay for such a project.
I understand that the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) is now saying that it is almost bankrupt and wants to increase the tolls in order to do maintenance work on the bridge, cover operation costs and pay dividends to shareholders.
But, from what I recall from the early talks about the bridge between private sector investors and the Jagdeo Government, the Berbice Bridge tolls were never intended to be similar to the tolls for the Demerara Harbour Bridge; they were to be comparable to the ferry rates for various vehicle types.
I understand that the BBCI needs funds to recover its investments, pay dividends and to fulfill its responsibilities. I empathise with this; but the toll increases will be hard for the average Guyanese to pay and could very well damage the psyche of the people and cause great hardship for everyone.
There is a stalemate because this Government has taken a firm position not to approve any increases to the bridge tariffs and has also declared the intention to fulfill a campaign promise to reduce the tolls. This is a tough situation, but there is a solution.
I have a suggestion: Government should buy the Berbice River Bridge! A lot of wealth is expected in Guyana from the oil industry and from other natural resources. This puts Government in an ideal position to get one or more loans and use other financial tactics to buy the bridge.
I am sure that the European Union or a government from a great nation like India or China would be interested in giving a loan or grant so that our Government can buy the bridge from the private sector, in the interest of assisting Guyana’s national development.
If Government buys the bridge, its operations and maintenance can then be subsidised with taxpayers’ money, just like what is being done with the Demerara Harbour Bridge, whereby Government’s input allows travellers to pay an affordable fee to cross the river.
The tolls for the Berbice River Bridge can be higher than those for the Demerara Harbour Bridge and it can be subsidised by taxpayers’ money. Think about it. If Government buys it and it belongs to the Guyanese people, why can’t the people’s money be used to subsidise it to protect their interests?
The Berbice River Bridge is vitally important to our country and people. I remember back in the day crossing by ferry involved all kinds of skullduggery and corruption. People who had influential friends to manipulate the system got priority in crossing. Others were inconvenienced and embarrassed. Today, travelling over the Berbice River has been reduced from three to four hours to just one to two minutes. Consider that for a moment.
As one of those who suffered in those times, I view the Berbice River Bridge as a great blessing. I, along with many others who use the bridge regularly, know how much it has benefitted the county of Berbice and would like to see it kept in place and functioning well.
Even though I compliment the private investors and the Jagdeo administration for making the bridge a reality, I respect the fact that this is a different Government with a new vision. But I believe this Government has the interest of our people at heart, so I urge them to consider my suggestion carefully.
All power, success, achievements, progress, come from the heart and from the thoughts. I am calling on the Government to use positive thoughts, think wisely and think big to help the people of our country reach our rightful destiny of peace and prosperity.
Sincerely,
Roshan Khan Snr