Commercial activities resume in Kwakwani following repairs to barge
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and team inspecting works on the barge during its repair
Commercial activities have been resumed in Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) following repairs to its barge, a vessel crucial to the community’s mining and logging sector.
Work conducted by a technical team of 39 men from the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) took approximately 100 hours to be completed, according to a report from the Public Works Ministry.
During this period, the Government of Guyana had implemented measures to maintain economic activity and minimize disruption.
Contrary to rumours that the barge had sunk, it was found that the flat-bottomed waterway vessel had needed urgent repairs; specifically, the deck had massive holes that had contributed to leaks. As a result, the crucial piece of equipment was isolated to allow for a parallel bulkhead to be welded onto it, while pumps were installed in the meantime to control the major intake of water.
During his follow-up visit on Thursday, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill underscored that the rehabilitation of the barge reflects Government’s dedication and investment towards the continuous development of Kwakwani and other areas.
Logs being transported on the barge
“This [barge] that you have here is a major investment. You have a barge here right now with minimum maintenance for the next five years…This shows the nature of the PPP/C Government and the urgency with which we responded to this situation,” he told those present.
In response to requests made to procure a barge, the minister explained that the Government is considering procuring a new barge.
On this point, he noted that multifaceted measures would ensure that the main commercial activities in Kwakwani are not affected in any form.
“After the Baramani is here, (there) is a call that the Cabinet will make when I discuss with them the details on whether we’re leaving that or buying another barge; because, obviously, this one has outlived its life, and you’ve been trying your best with it,” Edghill had previously said.
In the meantime, funds would be set aside for the maintenance of the barge in the future.
