Gaico Construction, one of the most reputable local firms serving the oil industry under the leadership of CEO, Komal Singh, will soon invest over US$25M ($5.2B) into the establishment of a wharf, dry dock laydown, and storage yard at the Nismes Foreshore, West Bank Demerara. The project which is awaiting the blessings of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to come on stream by 2022-2023. The company hopes that the facility can support the US$900M gas-to-shore project which is being done in partnership with ExxonMobil and the Government of Guyana.
Guyana Standard understands that the site selected for the project is located approximately three kilometers from the Demerara Harbour Bridge and consists of four acres of land. In the meantime, it has been used as a wharf facility to moor company vessels. Drydocking and maintenance work for vessels is also being done there.
In its project summary, Gaico said the project would complement all the other proposed development for the West Bank Demerara area inclusive of the planned gas-to-shore pipeline which will land in Wales.
Gaico said too that the proposed project will greatly improve the docking facilities for international ships on the West Bank Demerara area since there is currently no proper wharf facility available for the mooring and unmooring of international vessels. It said this facility will create new opportunities for international transport of materials and goods while generating much-needed employment opportunities for laid-off workers of the depressed Wales area since the closure of the sugar estate. Expounding on this front, Gaico said the project is poised to create employment for over 150 persons during construction and 100 full-time jobs during operation.
It noted as well that contractors and suppliers will also have an opportunity to develop operations on vacant lands close to offering related auxiliary services.
