PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Jun 30, CMC – Public Works and Spatial Planning Minister, Stephen Tsang, says Suriname will finance the construction of a bridge over the Corantijn River despite earlier agreements that the project would be undertaken in collaboration with Guyana.
The Corantijn Bridge is considered one of the most important infrastructure projects for the further economic integration of Suriname and Guyana and it is intended to replace the current ferry connection between South Drain and Moleson Creek while significantly facilitating the movement of goods and passengers between the two countries.
Under the previous Santokhi government, the project was prepared in close cooperation with Guyana.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Monday night, Tsang did not address the consequences of the position of the Jennifer Greelings-Simons government nor did he announce when any potential new tender will take place.
“The government has decided to finance the bridge 100 per cent,” Tsang said as he responded to questions from legislators during the budget debate, adding that, depending on the chosen financing structure, a new tendering procedure will likely be necessary.
He told legislators that various financing models are still being investigated, including the possibility of toll collection.
“Several models have been discussed, including regarding toll collection. Everything is still open. All models are being reviewed together with the Ministry of Finance,” said Tsang, adding “the fact is that it must and will be a Surinamese bridge.”
Opposition legislator, Asis Gajadien reminded the National Assembly that a tendering procedure for the construction of the bridge had already been initiated under the previous government and asked about the present status.
He also wanted to know what agreements have since been made with Guyana regarding the execution of the project and whether the announced change of course means that a new tender will be held.
Tsang said that a new tender is likely depending on the final form of financing.
Earlier estimates had put the construction of the bridge at US$300 million. In September last year, Suriname and Guyana had agreed to accelerate the construction of the bridge and to revive stalled border negotiations.
A joint statement issued following talks between Presidents Jennifer Greelings-Simons and Dr. Irfaan Ali said they recognized the “transformative potential for trade, tourism, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges” of the bridge.
CMC/fi/ir/2026