$787.6M contract signed for removal of wrecks from Demerara River

Traffic in the Demerara River will soon flow more freely, because a $787.6 million contract has been signed between the Public Works Ministry and Koole Contractors for the removal of three wrecks from the river.
The contracts were signed in the Ministry’s Boardroom on Friday, and signatories were Director General of the Maritime Administration Department, Stephen Thomas, and a representative from Koole Contractors.
Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, who joined the signing virtually, said the wrecks have proven hazardous. He explained that due to the location of the wrecks, the channel has become narrow.

“The removal of these wrecks and the dredging that is anticipated to take place, we expect that we will be able to have two-way traffic,” he explained.
Edghill noted that this would complement the establishment of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge.
“This project of the removal of wrecks is also coming in tandem with us building a high-span, four-lane, new Demerara Bridge. Which will mean that once the tide allows, you can have unhindered access into Port Georgetown 24 hours every day,” the subject Minister explained.
Traversing the Demerara River will now be safer and faster for ship and boat operators, as they would no longer have to manoeuvre around the wrecks. The project is expected to be completed in nine months, with three months allotted to each wreck. The wrecks identified to be removed are the Dar B, Allana III, and Miss Elissa.
In brief remarks, Koole Contractors’ representative Janneke Kuijper assured that the works will be completed within the contractually agreed time. The Netherlands-based Koole won the contract after a public procurement process.
The removal of the three wrecks is part of a larger project the Government is undertaking to ensure the waterways are safe. There are approximately 120 wrecks in Guyana’s waterways, with 16 being along the Demerara River.