The MV Kimbia which has served the north west for over two decades may be on its last general docking according to Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn.
He was speaking during a visit by President Donald Ramotar on Monday to the dry dock area of the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) to view work being done on the MV Kimbia. The President took the opportunity to thank shipyard workers for their service to the river transport sector, a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
After a tour of the vessel which first came to Guyana in the 1950s, President Ramotar took some time to speak with workers in the shipyard. He expressed his appreciation for their work in keeping Guyana’s water vessels afloat.
The President was quoted as saying, “I know that some of this work has been done in very difficult circumstances and some of the technology that we have is not always the most up to date. But I want you to know that your work is highly appreciated.”
President Ramotar expressed his hope to the GNIC shipyard workers that as the country continues to evolve, things could be made better for them. “Probably you are hearing that Guyana is one of the few countries now, that despite the economic financial crisis that we are having internationally, we are one of the few countries that is going ahead, and hopefully if we can continue on that direction, we will be able to make life better for workers.”
GINA said that he pointed out to them Government’s efforts through the budget to help ordinary people in education, health and housing. He noted that these areas where the most resources are placed can impact on a wider cross section of the people as it helps them personally, along with the economy.
The MV Kimbia has been plying the North West, Region One service for more than two decades transporting goods and persons and faces the most severe marine conditions that the Transport & Harbours Department (T&HD) currently encounters. GINA said that Benn stated that there are concerns about the age of the North West cargo ferry and while there is an intention to replace the vessel, “we are just looking at what additional intervention will be made.”
The MV Kimbia last underwent major rehabilitation and maintenance work during 2008 and has been subjected to the regular required docking and inspection procedures conducted by the Maritime department.
