Latest update November 29th, 2024 1:00 AM
THE BERBICE BRIDGE TAKEOVER
The impasse between the Government and Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) took a new twist recently, with the government’s announcement that it has assumed temporary control of the Bridge.
Citing a threat to public safety in light of planned increases in tolls by 365 percent by the BCCI, the government assured the nation, especially Berbicians that there will be no change to the present toll structure or staffing and that all exemptions currently in place will remain in effect.
Most Berbicians welcomed the takeover of the bridge by the government amidst its ongoing dispute with the BCCI. Some mini-bus drivers opined that they expect the government to look after their interest, which is to ensure that they are not affected by the changes.
The dispute between the government and the BCCI which has been going on since 2015 when this administration took office came to a head when the latter decided to increase the toll on the bridge by a whopping 365 percent. In response, the government made it clear that it cannot support such an astronomical increase in the toll, which is unwarranted and is based on a flawed formula and computation process.
Commuters have dubbed the move by BBCI as extremely ridiculous and unreasonable. They said that it is unconscionable to think that the company would increase the tolls from $1900 to $8,040 for cars and minibuses; small trucks, $14,600, medium trucks $27,720 and large trucks $49,600 among others.
However, in exchange for withdrawing toll hike, the BBCI has officially requested a 19-year concession extension from the government in order to recoup their investment. This would actually give the company a total concession of 40 years.
Based on the agreement that was signed by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration with BBCI, the company was supposed to service the 39 pontoons that keep the bridge afloat, every three to five years. However, a government report last year found that the pontoons were not maintained in the three-to-five year period that is required.
Against the backdrop and the lack of agreement on both sides, the government has stated that it does not envision a swift resolution to the problem and therefore, in accordance with the powers vested upon the Minister of Public Infrastructure by Sections 4 (1) and 11 of the Berbice River Bridge Act, in the interests of public safety, the Minister shall issue a declaration that the functions of the Concessionaire to maintain and operate the Berbice River Bridge shall be exercised by the Government of Guyana as of November 5, 2018 until the date the Minister specifies by notice on the cessation of the threat to public safety.
The temporary takeover of the Berbice Bridge by the government has raised concerns about investment in the country. Many in the business community feel that it amounts to compulsory acquisition of private property, a practice that is disavowed by business in general.
They claim that the annexation of the bridge will make it more difficult for the government to attract investment, both local and foreign. Their views were echoed by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) which asserted that the temporary takeover of the Berbice Bridge by the government goes against the principles and freedom of a democratic society and could seriously undermine investor confidence in the country at a time when the government is actively seeking to attract investment.
The BBCI sees the takeover of the Berbice Bridge by the government as unlawful and ultra-vires under Section 11 of the Berbice River Bridge Act on which it is based. The business community and the public are looking forward to a speedy resolution to this crucial national issue.
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