Coalition Govt responsible for hikes in Berbice Bridge tolls – PPP
…did not follow financial model that guaranteed minimal increases
…as Govt opposed increase; to review legal options
While the Government is digging its heels in when it comes to impending increases in tolls to use the Berbice Bridge, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has weighed in on the saga by calling the Government out for precipitating the toll increases.
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According to the Party on Tuesday, a formula for minor increases was supposed to be in place – increases that would have lessened the impact on commuters. Instead, however, the Party noted that Government abandoned this formula and even tinkered with it.
“Had the Coalition Government pursued the financial model used by the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, there would have been no proposed increases of this magnitude. The Bridge was built around a financial model that did not envisage such massive increases in tolls.
“Rather, minimal increases were envisaged – followed by a steep decline in tolls – until the Berbice Bridge was handed over to the State,” the Party continued. “Since July 2018, the PPP General Secretary and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, questioned whether the current Administration tinkered with the financial model. To date, this question remains unanswered.”
The PPP stated that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson would have in his possession the financial model and contract documents for the Berbice Bridge. The Party called for these to be released.
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