REHABILITATION works on the Transport & Harbours Department (T&HD) vessel m.b. Sandaka will soon be completed at the Mazaruni dock, in preparation for its use on the Parika/Leguan route. Last used on the Rosignol to New Amsterdam crossing to ferry schoolchildren, it was docked to overhaul the superstructure.
The work at Mazaruni is being undertaken by Courtney Benn Construction Company Ltd, with support from inmates of the Mazaruni Prison.
The replacement of the sides is being done as work on the bottom has been completed, and repairs to the deck, and passenger and crew quarters will begin shortly, followed by installation of navigation equipment.
T&HD General Manager, Ms. Marcelene Merchant, said rehabilitating of the vessel, scheduled to take between six and eight weeks, will cost $52M.
The m.b. Bonasika, which replaced the m.b. Sandaka, is being towed by a Maritime Administration Department (MARD) tug while sourcing of two engines for it is underway.
Meanwhile, the Mazaruni dock gate has developed a major leakage, hindering maintenance and other operations.