…Govt to address challenges to fast-track project – Edghill
Work on Kingston Goods Wharf, Georgetown is progressing swiftly. This is according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who was informed on Tuesday during an inspection that the Wharf is about 40 per cent complete.
The Kingston landing facility is being upgraded to provide an enhanced travel experience for travellers between the regions, as well as to facilitate the MV Ma Lisha, an India-made roll-on, roll-off ferry. The project, being undertaken by Kares Engineering Inc, is valued at US$5 million. So far, the wharf’s platform has been constructed – that comprised the driving of piles, capping of beam casts and casting of the deck slab. Additionally, half of the passenger terminal building has been erected.
During his inspection of the facility, Edghill was informed that construction work on the storage bond, linkspan bridge and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems are yet to commence. This is as a result of the ongoing operations of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), which involves the loading and offloading of ferries and supply of services benefiting thousands of individuals from Port Georgetown to Region One (Barima-Waini).
The engineers have requested that Government suspends or relocate the T&HD operations until the project is complete.
In response to this challenge, Edghill indicated that alternative options to accelerate the project without disrupting T&HD operations would be determined soon.
“Moving the operations from Kingston Goods Wharf to somewhere else would’ve cost us an excess of $300 million. So, we are working out a modality on how we could operate and how the contractor will continue his work,” Edghill said.
Edghill hinted that one of the methods to resolve the issue may be to adjust the timing of ferries’ operations and construction work.
“We would have to make some adjustments in terms of time, because while we are loading boats and unloading boats, safety of those who are operating must be taken into consideration,” the Minister emphasised.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill engaging engineers at Kingston Goods Wharf
On Tuesday, the Public Works Minister conducted an inspection of several infrastructure sites around Georgetown and Region One.
Among the projects inspected were the Cemetery, Conversation Tree, Aubrey Barker, and Vlissengen Road projects.
Minister Edghill disclosed that this exercise was a result of his Ministry’s recent management review meetings, which examine and determine the necessary policy direction to ensure that all Government projects are fulfilled in a timely manner. (G1)
