News Americas, New York, NY, December 9, 2024: Guyana and Suriname will soon be connected by a bridge.
The two South American countries, CARICOM, have taken a major step towards strengthening regional connectivity by choosing China Road and Bridge Corporation, (CRBC) to build a 1.1 kilometer bridge across the Corentyne River. This bridge will connect the two neighboring countries, further increasing trade and cooperation.
Guyana’s Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, confirmed the selection on Sunday, December 8, 2024, stating, “China Road and Bridge has been the preferred preferred bidder agreed upon by both countries.” He added that construction will begin once financing is finalized for the $236 million project.
The planned bridge will stretch from Moleson Creek in Guyana to Long Island and then connect to the South Drain in Suriname. The two countries, which maintain close ties with China, have approached the East Asian country to finance the project, underscoring its importance for bilateral and regional development.
CRBC was selected over Netherlands-based Ballast Nedam for the project. Suriname’s Technical Assistant for Capital Infrastructure Projects emphasized that the bridge is designed for durability, with an expected lifespan of 100 years and minimal maintenance requirements. It will also feature accommodations for vessels up to 47,000 deadweight tons, with a horizontal span of 100 meters and a vertical span of 43 meters.
While Guyana and Suriname are eager to continue, sources indicate that Suriname must carefully manage borrowing to meet global economic recovery standards. However, the bridge represents a historic initiative to strengthen economic growth and connectivity between the two countries.
This project reflects the strong partnership between Guyana and Suriname and their shared commitment to infrastructure development that benefits the region as a whole.
