GEORGETOWN (CMC):
Guyana said on Monday it had received 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.
It said that the bids were opened last week at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, 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 kilometres from Guyana to the abutment on long Island, 2.15 kilometres of road through Long Island, and a 2.5-kilometre bridge from Long Island to South Drain in Suriname.
The two countries had signed a memorandum of understanding 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 recognise the enormous benefits that this can bring in the areas of tourism, transportation and trade. To this end, we have expanded our discussions on 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 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 well-being and prosperity of our people, and freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” he added.