Barge handed over to Kwakwani NDC

– 30.5% of proceeds for community development

The Kwakwani community in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) is expected to reap the economic benefits associated with the recent handing over of a barge by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).
Regional Vice Chairman Alroy Adolph said 30.5 per cent of the proceeds would go to the community, which would greatly help in its development.
He noted that previously the community did not benefit from any of the revenue generated by the barge, which for years was operated by a private owner. Passengers using the vessel would usually pay $200 for a return trip, while motor vehicles crossed at a cost of $2000. Larger trucks had a crossing charge of $16,000.
Adolph said in an effort to facilitate the handover, an official document was sent to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairperson through Winston Rosario of NICIL. He noted that the vessel was working under a two-month contract undertaken with private company Edwards to see how it would work out.
The barge, located at the crushing plant, was officially expected to recommence activities on Monday. According to Adolph, a number of logging trucks and Canters which were stalled pending the way forward were expected to cross the waterway.
“It’s a plus to the community because when you look at 30.5 per cent based upon how many vehicles cross, looking at two trucks per day, that would give you approximately $240,000 for the month and it’s a plus to the community because about two or three persons would be employed,” he said.
Apart from the barge, he noted that the NDC would benefit from the collection of rates and taxes.