Supplementary provision approved for rehabilitation of MV Sandaka

DPI, GUYANA, Friday, August 04, 2017

The National Assembly on Thursday evening approved the $100M sought by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure for rehabilitation of the MV Sandaka.

Minister within Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson explained that the amount requested will primarily cater for the propeller systems of the vessel. She noted that the works are expected to be completed within three months.

The Minister explained that the award for the rehabilitation works of the vessel was highlighted in the 2017 budget estimate for $100M to cater for the rehabilitation works of $291M. Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and Kanawaima were able to offset the difference of $191M with $91M through its revenue which left a shortfall of $100M.

“The two entities (MARAD and Kanawaima) are semi-autonomous agencies and from time to time they give support to the Transport and Harbor Department (T&HD), hence the support given by the entities which is reflected here (supplementary provision),” Minister Ferguson explained.

It was highlighted during the 2017 budget estimate that the ministry will see to the establishment of an Advisory Council, as per Section 5 of the Transport & Harbours Act (Chapter 49:04) for the first half of 2017.

The council will function as an oversight body providing supervisory oversight and governance of T&HD and ensuring that management implement policies to run the day to day affairs of the agency in an efficient and proper manner to better serve the public.

The ministry announced that their strategy under the theme, “Transport for a Sustainable Future: Restructure, Reinvigorated, Repositioned” aims to transform the agency to make it an improved ferry service provider in all areas – governance, management, operations, procurement, customer service and financial viability.

 

By: Neola Damon