M.V Kimbia will soon resume operation in August

DPI, GUYANA, Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, on Friday at Parliament, said that M.V. Kimbia will soon resume its operation by August as it’s presently being refurbished.

Cabinet had approved a ‘$12M contract for rehabilitation and variation works and late day charges such as the rebuilding and sourcing of a rebuilt engine for the vessel for MV Kimbia’. This led to Lady Northcote replacing the Kimbia whilst it was put under repairs, last year.

The Minister explained that though the vessel will soon be back on board, the ministry will not withdraw Lady Northcote. The latter will continue on its current schedule travelling from Georgetown to Mabaruma augmented by B.V Barima. He noted that 75 per cent of the total expenditure for the rehabilitation of the Lady Northcote was used.

Lady Northcote commenced operations in 1937; It was previously decommissioned for two months in 2015 for rehabilitation works that cost $140M completed by E.C Vieira Investments Limited. It included works such as the repair of its hull; servicing of all on-board machinery; improvement of interior and exterior decking and upgrades to the main and passenger decks.

Additionally, the offloading and loading capabilities were improved while all of the vessel’s plates were changed. The underwater propellers were also completely rebuilt.

Minister Patterson said that the contract for M.B Sandaka has already been awarded while the docking and rehabilitation of the M.V Malali contract is currently at tender board however he explained that the ministry wants to ensure that there is no disruption of work.

 

By: Neola Damon