Several state-owned transportation vessels are slated to benefit from multimillion-dollar rehabilitative works. Invitations for bids have already been issued in the local newspapers by the Ministry of Public Works’ Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).
Vessels to be rehabilitated include the M.L David P at $19.5 million, M.L Thompson at $24.9 million, Barge Seamang at $149.8 million and Split Barge at $49.6 million.
The sums listed are the engineer’s estimate which amounts to $243.8 million. However, the sum allotted in budget 2022 for the works is $270 million.
The government has already invested in repairs to two Region One vessels, the MV Kimbia and MV Barima. Further, the government is currently undertaking emergency repairs to the M.V. Canawaima that plies the Guyana and Suriname route.
Meanwhile, the US$ 12.7 million watercraft, which is being constructed through a line of credit from the Government of India, is expected to sail Guyana’s waters in October this year.
Guyana Standard understands that this new vessel has the capacity to transport 274 passengers, 10 cars, four trucks, 10 (10 ft) size containers of cargo at 14 knots per hour, cutting the usual travel time by half.
I am always happy to hear about this government in action.
Under the PNC, the three main vessels, Makouria, Malali (cannot remember the other.) Under much fanfare they built the Kurupukari (sunk.)
No money was available to maintain these great vessels, but there was money to fly in pig tails from Barbados. Most Indians avoid pigs.
This Irfan Ali guy is the best.