No job losses at DHB as new bridge moves closer to completion

As the new Demerara River Bridge nears completion, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed that employees of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, including those who managed toll operations, will not lose their jobs.

The crossing of the structure became toll-free on August 1, and the President strongly emphasised that no workers will be displaced in the process, and instead of layoffs, the government is actively exploring opportunities for employees to take on more advanced roles.

“Not a single employee will be losing their job. We’ll be upskilling, retooling, and re-deploying. There is enough space in the system for the full deployment and reintegration of everyone.

“We have absolutely no issue in terms of workers being under–utilised or losing their jobs. Matter of fact, we are looking to upskill them to perform even higher tasks in every area,” the President told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Thursday.

He said, based on updates from the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, the new bridge is in its final stages of construction.

“The sealing of the bridge, which is the completion of the bridge, will be done.

“The structural completion will be there, the traffic management we’re hoping all of that – the roads coming on and off the bridge – that all of that will be completed, so that’s what we’re working on,” Dr. Ali said.

The full 2.9km concrete structure will be completely connected by August 25. During a recent site visit, the minister was briefed on the progress of the works by the contractor and consultant.

All efforts are being made to ensure the bridge is completed by the August 31 deadline.