Maintenance and upgrade works continue at DHB
Georgetown, GINA, May 17, 2009
Maintenance and upgrade works continued today at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) as Government persists in its efforts to provide a better service to the thousands of commuters who traverse the Demerara River everyday and to aid the smooth flow of traffic across the bridge’s expanse.
The work conducted today saw the replacement of a broken transom (beam of the bridge) and the bridge was scheduled to be closed from 10:30H to 12:30H. However, it was re-opened to traffic a few minutes earlier after the repair works were completed by 12:15H.
This maintenance programme follows the extensive work that began last year after President Bharrat Jagdeo described the deterioration of the 30-year-old bridge as “unbelievable, almost criminal” and mandated its management to complete an assessment of the repairs needed to clear the way for Cabinet to intervene.
‘Operation Transom’, which involved work on the retractor span, and the rehabilitation of the ‘chairs’ which support the transoms began in July 2008 and a new management team to oversee the operations of the DHB was installed thereafter.
The work also includes the rehabilitation of 70 pontoons, replacing one-extra large pontoon and three large pontoons for the bridge’s high span and retractor spans and replacing 320 deck plates. These works were expected to cost some $555M.
Over the years, significant investments have been made by Government to maintain and upgrade the DHB and generally improve its services. In this regard, there has been replacement of wire ropes, sheaves, shackles, buoys and servicing of winches on the anchorage system. Among the main projects undertaken during the last year was the resurfacing of the structure, which cost $42M. Plans were also in place to fabricate and install 100 mesh panels, repair deckings as required and carry out annual maintenance of the retractor span hydraulic system.
Also, efforts are being made to conduct a feasibility study for a new bridge across the Demerara River. The study will focus on various types of bridges, location and estimated cost of the project.
The bridge was constructed in the 1970s and was commissioned on July 2, 1978. It accommodates the crossing of approximately 24,000 commuters daily. It was originally built to last 10 years but was repaired in 1998 through a major European Union (EU) project that cost US$10M which extended its life by another 15 years.
The bridge’s superstructure is supported by more than 100 pontoons, and comprises 61 spans. Its double retractor creates a clearance of 210 feet horizontally to facilitate the passage of ocean-going vessels.
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Prime Minister Hinds attends SRG Moravain Church 30th Anniversary observance-urges members to build church and country
Georgetown, GINA, May 17, 2009
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds this afternoon joined members of the South Ruimveldt Gardens Moravain Church in observance of the institution’s 30th Anniversary celebration which was held at Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt Gardens.
In commemoration of its anniversary a thanks giving service held under the theme “the Church motivated for renewal and improvement” commenced at 15:00 hrs with prayers, songs, hymns and dances.
Prime Minister Hinds who is performing the duties of President congratulated the members for achieving such a milestone while noting that 30 years is the beginning of many more years.
“We are still in the early stages of building our country and our institution…there is need for lots of contributions…We may not achieve as much as yet but let us work together to continue to build this church, country and nation,” Prime Minister Hinds urged the congregation.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and some of the members of the South Ruimveldt Gardens Moravian Church
General Secretary, People’s National Congress (PNCR), Oscar Clarke said that the coming together of the members to share with each other on such an event is the significance of the occasion.
He noted that despite many challenges the church faced during its 30 years it has been able through the guidance of the Supreme Being (God) to accomplish many successes.
Meanwhile, Marlyn Baird who gave a brief history of the church said the institution over the years catered for the social, intellectual and spiritual growth while nurturing the youths, matured members and the community.
Congregation of the South Ruimveldt Gardens Moravian Church
She said the various activities in the church’s ministry to ensure spiritual growth of the congregation as well as socialization and integration with the community.
“Our vibrant and strong congregation endeavoured through its programme to meet the needs of its members and the South Ruimveldt Community,” Baird said.
The SRG Moravian Church was established in the year 1969 and the building was erected on May 19, 1979.
The church in Guyana has a strong ecumenical orientation expressed through its partnership with the Methodist and Congregation churches in the establishment of a United Mission in the bauxite mining districts of Guyana.
In attendance also were representative from the Mayor and City Council, Gwendolyn McGowan and Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Bishop Juan Edghill.
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