Residents of Leguan Island, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) will be pleased to learn that its Motor Barge (MB) Sandaka, has resumed operations after it underwent repairs late last year.
According to the General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Marclene Merchant, the MB Sandaka has recommenced plying its route after successful tests were conducted by engineers of the department’s central workshop.
INews understands that infrastructural work on the motor barge included works to the hull, the vessel’s frame, fixing of the decking plate and repainting of the rails and other parts of the vessel. This is said to have cost $33.4M.
Meanwhile, Mechanical Engineer, Ray Mc Lean stated that mechanical works have also been completed by the T&HD’s central workshop and that rehabilitative works were executed by Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited in the Mazaruni dockyard.
It is important to note that the 2016 National Budget proposes $1.3B for works to commence on the rehabilitation of the Bartica stelling and the goods wharf at Kingston; docking of dredges and ferry vessels; dredging of the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers; and installation and maintenance of navigational aids.
