GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana said Monday it had received several bids from several companies seeking to conduct the feasibility study and preliminary design for the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge linking the country with Suriname.
Corentyne River (File Photo)It said that the bids were opened last week at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and that 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 kilometers from Guyana to the abutment on long Island, 2.15 kilometers road through Long Island and a 2.5 kilometers 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 and President Dr. Irfaan Ali said then that the bridge would link not only Guyana and Suriname, but the rest of South America.
“We recognize 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.”
Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi said the bridge would mark a new era for both Caribbean Community (CARICOM) 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 symbolizes 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,” he added.
