CHIEF Executive Officer of GAICO Construction and General Services Inc. Komal Singh on Monday assured a gathering that his company remains committed to Guyana’s development and has a passion for quality work, ethical business practices and timely execution of projects.He was at the time speaking at the launching of his wharf facility and commissioning of a Trailer Suction Hopper Dredge at Nismes, West Bank Demerara.
FOOD-PROCESSING VENTURE
Meanwhile, the company is looking to get involved in the food-processing industry as part of a joint partnership with Structure Solution Inc. The very site on the West Bank is to be used to facilitate value-added food processing, a warehouse and logistic facilities. The company expects that this project will significantly boost employment opportunities for Region 3 residents, while adding significant value to the region’s agricultural commodities.
The original specialisation of the company was road construction, heavy- duty concrete bridges and wharves and deep-foundation pile-driving. However, back in 2011 the company saw a need and opportunity in the marine and dredging sector and subsequently acquired the first major fleet of dredging and marine equipment by investing in excess of US$1 million.
The CEO also applauded the decision of the Government to allocate funds in the national budget to facilitate dredging and desilting of the channels to allow larger vessels to come into Port Georgetown.
With this approach, Guyana will be in a better position to accommodate larger cargo vessels which will bring lower freight rates, while the tourism sector can expect larger cruise liners.
LAND RECLAMATION
Singh told the gathering on Monday that the company with its land- reclamation vision was able to reclaim an entire mud flat and intends to work with the relevant authorities to implement a programme to do land reclamation wherever possible.
The businessman noted that contrary to the direction of the Maritime Administration Department for the materials from dredging activities to be dumped in certain parts of the river, those same materials can be used in the process of land-reclamation at critical areas where there is flooding during excessive high tide.
The wharf which the company constructed can accommodate vessels with a draft of up to five metres at low tide since the facility is in its first stage. It can also accommodate the discharging of construction materials and construction equipment, Singh said.
GAICO intends to invest a total of US$5M in the wharf over the next two years which will see completion of the entire facility. By then it will be outfitted to accommodate vessels with a draft of eight metres, a tarmac to accommodate discharge and storage of containers, heavy lift pad, dry docking area for routine maintenance and a storage bond.
The company’s mission statement: “To be the most admired construction company in Guyana,” Singh noted, underscores the principles the company follows.
The CEO pointed out that the company does not compromise on safety and works very hard to ensure that it conducts its business in the highest ethical manner, while staying away from malpractices such as accepting bribes and other corrupt practices.
Moreover, Singh said, the company has a very high level of respect for its employees and business partners and always aims to deliver value for money, while seeking to exercise its corporate responsibilities by supporting communities.
By Leroy Smith