Spanning the mighty Demerara River, the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) stands as a remarkable symbol of Guyana’s determination, engineering prowess, and national identity. Constructed in the late 1970s, this iconic structure has been a crucial artery connecting East and West Demerara for over four decades. The DHB connects West Demerara from Versailles and East Demerara from Peter’s Hall and was built across the Demerara River at one of the river’s widest points.
A Historical Feat
Officially opened on July 2, 1978, under the leadership of Prime Minister Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, the bridge, executed by Guyanese engineer Joseph Holder and constructed by the British firm Thos. Storey
Ltd. At its completion, the DHB was recognised as the longest floating bridge in the world, stretching an impressive 6,074 feet (1,851 meters) and supported by 114 steel pontoons. Today, it remains the longest all-steel floating bridge globally and ranks as the fourth longest overall.
Originally designed with a projected lifespan of just ten years, the bridge’s longevity has far exceeded expectations, proving its robust engineering and ongoing importance to the country’s infrastructure.
More than just a bridge, the DHB is a vital lifeline for thousands of Guyanese every day. Approximately 14,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, along with countless pedestrians, facilitating seamless movement between key economic hubs. It supports the flow of goods, services, and people, acting as an essential conduit for commerce, trade, and social interaction. Its innovative design includes two retractable sections that allow ships to pass, underscoring the bridge’s role in supporting both riverine navigation and land transport.
A Voice for Preservation: Joseph Holder’s Stand
Engineer Joseph Holder, who was intimately involved in the bridge’s design and construction, has been a vocal advocate for preserving the DHB. Holder emphasises that the bridge’s modular, pontoon-based design allows for continuous maintenance and replacement of individual components, meaning the bridge can theoretically remain operational indefinitely. He warns against dismantling the structure, arguing that proposals to remove the bridge ignore its cultural significance and practical utility, and instead reflect shortsighted economic motives.
Speaking to Stabroek News in July 2015 Holder said:
“The DHB is comprised primarily of steel modules which may be replaced when circumstances require, as is the case with wooden boards on St George’s Cathedral. With replacements of components, the DHB can be given a prolonged and indefinite life like St George’s Cathedral.”
Balancing Progress with Heritage
In recent years, calls to preserve the DHB have been echoed by political leaders. One such notable voice was then Minister of State Joseph Harmon. In 2018 Harmon said he would lobby for maintaining the existing bridge even as new infrastructure is developed, emphasising the DHB’s irreplaceable historical value and its ongoing function as a transport corridor.
He stressed that having both the old and new bridges in operation would enhance transportation resilience and meet growing national demands.
As Guyana experiences rapid economic growth and increasing vehicular movement, the demand on its transportation infrastructure has surged significantly. Rather than viewing the DHB and the New Demerara
Harbour Bridge as competing assets, the government and planners should embrace them as complementary arteries that can collectively alleviate congestion and better serve the nation’s diverse needs.
Different Routes, Different Benefits
The existing DHB, located in the heart of the country’s economic activity, connects key urban and industrial centers along East and West Demerara. It remains the most direct route for many commuters, public transport users, and small to medium-sized commercial vehicles. Meanwhile, the new bridge, planned at a different location, will serve alternative corridors, potentially catering to heavier commercial traffic, long-haul freight, and regional travel.
By distributing traffic flow between two strategically located bridges, Guyana can prevent bottlenecks, reduce travel time, and enhance overall efficiency. Commuters and businesses would benefit from options, choosing the route that best suits their destination and purpose.
Traffic Diversion Eases Pressure and Boosts Commerce
With traffic funneled across two routes, each bridge can specialise in managing specific transportation needs. For example:
The existing DHB can continue to accommodate local commuters, public transit, and smaller commercial activities that rely on proximity to urban hubs.
The new bridge can handle increased heavy freight, cargo transportation, and regional traffic that might otherwise overwhelm the older bridge’s capacity.
This division reduces wear and tear on the historic DHB, allowing for more focused maintenance while ensuring uninterrupted movement across the river.
The dual-bridge system will support greater economic activity by minimising delays in the movement of goods and people. Faster, more reliable crossings mean lower transportation costs, enhanced supply chain efficiency, and improved access to jobs and services. Moreover, providing alternative routes enhances safety by reducing the risk of accidents caused by overcrowding on a single bridge.
Avoiding Partisan Politics in Infrastructure Decisions
It is critical that decisions surrounding the future of the Demerara Harbour Bridge transcend partisan politics. The DHB is a symbol of Guyana’s engineering prowess and national development, built under the leadership of Forbes Burnham and the People’s National Congress (PNC) in the 1970s. Efforts to shutter or neglect the bridge as a means to erase the historical contributions of the PNC or other parties like the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) undermine national unity and disrespect the country’s legacy.
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government appears to be the only political faction actively seeking to diminish the achievements of opposition parties.
Maintaining the DHB honours Guyana’s engineering legacy and cultural identity, while the new bridge represents progress and modernisation. Together, they symbolise a thoughtful infrastructure strategy that balances respect for history with the demands of a growing nation.
By maintaining both the historic Demerara Harbour Bridge and the new bridge, Guyana will ensure that its transportation network is robust, adaptable, and capable of meeting present and future challenges—facilitating commerce, easing commutes, and fostering sustainable growth for generations to come. Rejecting partisan attempts to erase history is essential to preserving the unity and progress of the nation.
As Guyana embarks on rapid economic growth and infrastructure development, the DHB remains a powerful reminder of the country’s past achievements and the ingenuity of its people. Preserving this engineering marvel is more than a matter of nostalgia—it is about safeguarding a critical link that continues to serve millions and honoring a legacy that shaped the nation’s progress.
The DHB is not just a structure of steel and pontoons; it is a living testament to Guyana’s history, resilience, and future potential. Its maintenance and preservation must be prioritized as Guyana builds towards greater prosperity, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of erasing its foundational symbols.
