Public Works Minister, Anthony Xavier has asked German construction firm, DYWIDAG International, to consider submitting to him a proposal as well as designs for a bridge across the Berbice River.
DYWIDAG International is the contractor for the US$22M- InterAmerican Development Bank-funded bridges and culverts project between Mahaica and Rosignol.
"The minister asked us to think about a proposal and designs. It is now a decision for Germany (headquarters)," confirms Uwue Griefbach, DYWIDAG's project manager.
He indicates that it was not a formal approach by the minister to the company but an informal request given DYWIDAG's experience in bridge construction.
Griefbach says DYWIDAG has over 60 years experience in Ger-many constructing bridges.
The government, it seems, cannot make up its mind on what approach it will take to a bridge across the Berbice River, with the only certainty being its desire to have a bridge built. But the type of bridge and the source of funding are issues still undecided, some seven years after the government first made a commitment to bridge the river.
Just before the recent informal request was made of DYWIDAG, EBR Techniques of Holland approached the government to design, build and operate a floating bridge for the Berbice River at an estimated cost of US$22M, just over half the price for a high span structure.
An official of EBR has asked that he be invited in December to come and make a presentation to the government on the concept and preliminary discussions have recently commenced.
The government last held official discussions with Group 5 of South Africa to bridge the river but those talks have run cold and have even been ruled out in face of the government's concerns over the cost and liabilities. Group 5 was being inundated with requests from local companies to be associated with the financing of the project. In light of this, the government is keener to have a local approach to building and financing the bridge and may consider DYWIDAG as a possible contractor.