Latest update January 20th, 2026 12:33 AM
Public Works rushes to declare Kobreimo Bridge open
…as Duncan raises alarm over safety, delays
(Kaieteur News) – The Ministry of Public Works has moved swiftly to declare the $74 million Kobreimo Bridge in Mabaruma, Region One “fully operational,” just days after Opposition Member of Parliament Sherod Duncan publicly raised concerns about the slow pace of works and the safety risks faced by residents using a temporary wooden crossing.
The ministry in a statement acknowledged that the project timeline faced specific logistical extensions, however, they noted that physical works advanced steadily throughout 2015. The ministry explained that rehabilitation of the Kobreimo Bridge was identified as a critical infrastructure necessity due to the precarious structural condition of the previous structure.
Consequently, the project was executed via a Restricted Tender process, selected to expedite the intervention and avert potential catastrophic failure of the compromised timber structure. According to the ministry, following the advertisement on April 9, 2025, the contract for the bridge was awarded on June 12, 2025 to Aruca Investment in the sum of GYD $74,766,500. The contractor then commenced working on June 28, 2025.
The $74 million Kobreimo Bridge in Mabaruma, Region One.
“The scope of works included the construction of a temporary bypass, demolition and reconstruction of the existing 40-foot bridge, extension of the structure, and the installation of additional deep foundation piles to strengthen the abutments. These interventions enabled the conversion of the former one-lane timber bridge into a reinforced two-lane structure designed to safely accommodate both light and heavy vehicular traffic,” the ministry provided.
On the issue of missed timelines, the ministry said: “However, it is imperative to view these not as periods of inaction but as necessary intervals required for technical compliance and regional economic integration.” “Contrary to reports suggesting project stagnation, physical works advanced steadily throughout the 2025 fiscal year. We are pleased to confirm that as of January 15, 2026, the Kobreimo Bridge has been fully operational for both light and heavy vehicular traffic, effectively restoring unrestricted access along the Main Road,” the ministry pointed out.
Additionally, the Public Works Ministry informed that, the project remains within its Defects Liability Period, which extends through February 28, 2026. This publication understands that during this phase, the contractor remains legally bound to rectify any emerging technical defects, ensuring the final deliverable meets the highest standards of engineering fidelity.
In relation to the bridge, on January 10, 2026 Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Sherod Duncan via his Facebook page had highlighted the slow pace of works to complete the new bridge, and raised concerns about the safety of persons using the temporary wooden auxiliary crossing. He stated that in May 2025, he visited the bridge after residents raised concerns about its deteriorating condition. “Today (January 10, 2026), the bridge is now fully closed for repairs, with vehicles and pedestrians diverted onto a temporary wooden auxiliary crossing. While repairs are finally underway and over an unduly long period, the current arrangement highlights how long the community was left to manage risk before action was taken,” he raised.
According to the MP, the situation there underscores a broader issue in Region One, stating that “essential infrastructure is too often addressed only after prolonged neglect, rather than through timely maintenance that protects public safety.”
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