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Govt. to meet Linden Town Council over alternative compensation for Wismar/McKenzie bridge toll revenue loss
Kaieteur News- In response to the Linden Town Council’s disapproval of the removal of the Wismar/McKenzie Bridge toll, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday announced that the government will be meeting with the Council to discuss alternative compensation for the loss of toll revenue.
Wismar/McKenzie Bridge
On Sunday, President Irfaan Ali revealed that, starting August 1, 2025, tolls for all three major bridges—Demerara, Berbice, and Wismar—will be toll-free. President Ali said that this move by the government will bring ease in travel while eliminating financial burdens on thousands of commuters.
In reaction to the announcement, Linden’s Mayor Sharma Solomon expressed concerns, stating that the Council had not been informed in advance of the government’s decision. Solomon also pointed out that the removal of the tolls would create significant financial challenges for the Council and could impact salary payments for employees.
At his weekly press conference at Freedom House, Vice President Jagdeo reiterated the government’s stance on removing the bridge tolls, emphasizing that discussions have already begun with the Berbice Bridge Company. He also confirmed that further meetings with the Linden Town Council would take place. “We will have to meet with the Town Council in Linden,” Jagdeo stated, though he did not address the issue of the government not consulting the council prior to the announcement.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Jagdeo also reassured bridge employees that they would not lose their jobs due to the toll removal. “The employees of the bridge will still need to operate the bridge until the new bridge comes on stream, which will be a while from now. So, the employees have nothing to fear about the government being part of this arrangement or taking over the bridge. They will have to work with the shareholders of that bridge,” he said. Reports indicate that the Wismar/McKenzie Bridge toll generates approximately $6 million per month, which has been a vital source of revenue for the town and contributes significantly to its annual budget. Mayor Solomon had urged the government to meet with the Linden Town Council to address these pressing issues related to the toll’s removal and its impact on the town’s finances.
(Govt. to meet Linden Town Council over alternative compensation for Wismar/McKenzie bridge toll revenue loss)
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