Commercial activities for loggers and miners in Kwakwani have resumed following a successful intervention by the Ministry of Public Works to restore the community’s vital barge.
The barge, operated by the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council (KNDC), underwent extensive renovations and repairs facilitated by the government, ensuring the continuity of essential economic operations in the region.
During a recent visit to assess the progress of the restoration project, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill emphasized the critical role of maintenance in sustaining the barge’s operations.
He expressed concern over the KNDC’s failure to adequately maintain the barge, which had led to disruptions and financial losses for residents dependent on its services.
Minister Edghill highlighted that without the government’s timely intervention, the entire operation could have faced a shutdown.
Residents of Kwakwani expressed gratitude to the government for its swift action, acknowledging the significant impact of the barge on their livelihoods.
Parris Archer, a councilor of the KNDC, and Michell Simeon, the KNDC Chairman, praised the government’s commitment to ensuring the barge’s functionality, which plays a pivotal role in supporting local logging and lumbering activities.
Avril Walker from Hururu and Winsburt Benjamin, Toshao of Hururu, also voiced their appreciation for Minister Edghill’s proactive approach in addressing the community’s infrastructure needs.
They highlighted the barge’s importance in facilitating economic activities crucial to the community’s survival.
The restoration efforts were prompted by reports of the barge’s deteriorating condition, which necessitated an immediate inspection by Minister Edghill, General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Wayne Watson, and Director General of the Maritime Administration Stephen Thomas.
A technical team of 39 skilled workers, led by Watson, was promptly dispatched to Kwakwani to commence repair works.
Minister Edghill further disclosed that a previous assessment in 2019 had identified necessary repairs amounting to $157 million, yet no documented progress had been made until the recent intervention.
The successful restoration of the barge underscores the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and supporting local economies across Guyana.