Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that his administration is waiting for official correspondence from Suriname concerning the financing of the Corentyne River bridge project. This announcement follows a series of discussions between officials from both countries, including previous meetings with the late President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and current President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons.
President Ali mentioned that Suriname has consistently indicated that they are working on their financing for the bridge. He noted that discussions had taken place at the ministerial level, specifically involving the Ministers of Finance and Public Works. Ali stated, “Suriname’s position has been that they are sorting out their financing.”
President Geerlings-Simons confirmed that Guyana was informed as early as February of Suriname’s decision to finance the construction independently. She emphasized that this decision was communicated during a bilateral meeting in St. Kitts. When questioned about the financing method, she assured, “we will…don’t worry.”
Estimates for the bridge’s construction have been around US$300 million. Suriname’s Public Works and Spatial Planning Minister Stephen Tsang recently informed the National Assembly about this new financing initiative. The Corantijn Bridge is viewed as a crucial infrastructure project aimed at enhancing economic integration between Suriname and Guyana, replacing the existing ferry service between South Drain and Moleson Creek.
Under the previous government, the project was developed in collaboration with Guyana. Tsang indicated that the Suriname government has decided to fully finance the bridge and mentioned that various financing models, including toll collection, are being explored. He stated, “Everything is still open. All models are being reviewed together with the Ministry of Finance.”
President Ali noted that an informal conversation took place regarding the financing, which will be further discussed in an official capacity. He expressed the need for clarity on Suriname’s proposals moving forward. Last weekend, Guyana acknowledged Suriname’s statement about the bridge, reiterating that the project was initially conceived as a joint initiative, emphasizing the importance of collaborative planning, financing, construction, and management.
Source: demerarawaves.com
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