In presenting the Bill to the National Assembly, Minister of Public Works and Communications, Mr. Anthony Xavier stressed, after further clarification was sought by Opposition Guyana Action Party/Working People's Alliance (GAP/WPA) Member, Ms. Sheila Holder, that it was ultimately the desire of the Government to have the Harbour Bridge function as an autonomous agency.

This is subsequent to a Government of Guyana/European Union Agreement, he said.

The bridge entity, since July 1998, has been functioning as a semi autonomous agency.

Xavier said that the corporatising of this entity would now grant the management and managing units the necessary authority to manage, maintain and operate the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The management can now levy, collect and receive revenue or other monies for the corporation and appropriately meet its expenses, he explained, adding that a General Manager will run the corporation.

The main responsibility of the corporation is to provide a safe and reliable bridge.

Holder called for the new corporation to be placed under the Corporations Act and argued that the Bill should be withdrawn to facilitate a number of amendments.