Joseph Holder Warns Against Dismantling Demerara Harbour Bridge

Engineer Joseph Holder, who played a central role in the construction of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) as Project Manager, had issued a strong warning about proposals to dismantle the iconic structure. Holder insisted that such plans ignore the bridge’s practical utility, cultural significance, and potential for indefinite operation through proper maintenance.

“The DHB is comprised primarily of steel modules which may be replaced when circumstances require, as is the case with the wooden boards on St George’s Cathedral. With replacement of components, the DHB can be given a prolonged and indefinite life, like St George’s Cathedral,” Holder told Stabroek News in July 2015. He emphasised that with consistent upkeep, the DHB can continue to operate indefinitely, serving future generations of Guyanese.

Contrary to public claims that the bridge has a 10-year lifespan, Holder said there is no document signed by any engineer involved in the DHB’s design that states such a design life.

Holder also emphasised that the DHB remains a vital safeguard in Guyana’s transport network, capable of continued service for years to come. He warned that if a vessel were to collide with the new bridge and cripple its operations, the nation could face a severe transportation crisis. In such a scenario, he said, the floating bridge would stand as the only immediate fallback — minimising disruption and keeping the country connected while repairs are underway.

His call came as Guyana faced critical decisions about its transportation infrastructure, including the relationship between the existing DHB and the planned New Demerara Harbour Bridge, (NDHB) which is opening today. Holder’s stance highlights the importance of preserving the DHB as both a functional crossing and a symbol of national heritage.

A Living Symbol of Guyana’s Engineering Legacy

The DHB was constructed between 1976 and 1978 through a partnership between Mabey & Johnson (UK) and local engineers and workers, the bridge officially opened on July 2, 1978, during the administration of then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham. The bridge connects West Demerara at Versailles with East Demerara at Peter’s Hall, crossing one of the river’s widest points.

At the time of completion, the DHB was recognised as the longest floating bridge in the world — stretching 6,074 feet (1,851 metres) and supported by 114 steel pontoons. Today, it remains the longest all-steel floating bridge globally and the fourth longest overall.

A Vital Lifeline Under Pressure

More than just a bridge, the DHB is a lifeline for thousands of Guyanese daily. Around 14,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians cross the bridge each day, making it a critical artery for the movement of goods, services, and people. Its retractable sections allow ships to pass, underscoring its dual importance for both river navigation and land transport.

With Guyana experiencing rapid economic growth, traffic pressures on the DHB have intensified. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government announced that, with the opening of the NDHB, the DHB will be dismantled. Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill confirmed on Friday that sections of the existing bridge will be relocated upriver to establish a new link between Timehri, East Bank Demerara, and Sandhills.

Earlier this year, in April, Minister Edghill also indicated that parts of the DHB might be repurposed to span the Berbice River at Kwakwani, Region 10.

Balancing Progress and Preservation

Holder’s stance is supported by other voices in the political sphere. In 2018, then Minister of State Joseph Harmon advocated preserving the DHB while developing new infrastructure, emphasising that having both bridges would enhance transportation resilience.

The government has argued that the new bridge will relieve congestion and accommodate heavier freight traffic. However, Holder and others insist that the DHB should not be viewed as a competitor but as a complementary asset that continues to serve local commuters, smaller commercial vehicles, and public transport.

This dual-bridge approach, they argue, would distribute traffic efficiently, reduce congestion, extend the lifespan of both structures, and ensure uninterrupted transport across the Demerara River.

A Matter of Heritage and Unity

Beyond engineering, the DHB represents an important cultural legacy. Built under the leadership of Forbes Burnham and the People’s National Congress (PNC) in the 1970s, it stands as a symbol of national achievement. Decisions about its future must transcend political interests. “Preserving the DHB is not merely about infrastructure; it is about respecting our history and sustaining a national landmark that continues to connect communities and support commerce,” one analyst said.

The Way Forward

As Guyana continues to expand its infrastructure, Holder’s warning stands as a call to prioritise maintenance and preservation alongside innovation. Retaining the DHB while developing the new bridge offers the best of both worlds — honouring the past while building for the future.

The DHB is not just a structure of steel and pontoons; it is a living testament to Guyana’s history, resilience, and future potential. Holder maintains that with consistent maintenance and renewal of its components, the Demerara Harbour Bridge can operate indefinitely — a lasting symbol of what Guyanese engineering can achieve.

Its preservation must be a national priority if the country truly values both progress and heritage.