BUDGET 2022: Stellings to get $456M upgrades, port facilities for river mouths

In budget 2022, the government is encouraging private investments to develop port facilities at the mouth of the country’s main rivers (Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo.)

Additionally, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh announced that two new oil and gas shore base facilities are expected to be constructed by private investors on the western side of the Demerara River.

Meanwhile, at the mouth of the Berbice River, work has already commenced by private investors to construct a port facility also to service our oil and gas industry.

“With the emerging oil and gas sector the country’s riverain transport activities have increased tremendously. This is particularly so in the Demerara River which is now home to several emerging shore base facilities and other ports catering to the sector,” Dr. Singh told the National Assembly on Wednesday during his budget presentation.

He said in the Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo rivers a new pilot launch was acquired to assist vessels entering and leaving the various ports while the Steve N was rehabilitated to facilitate the dredging of the main channels.

In 2022, the sums of $2.1 billion for the construction of a new ocean-going passenger and cargo vessel, which will ply the North West District route and $562 million for the docking of Makouria, Sabanto, and Kanawan.

The new vessel for the North West District route is expected to be completed and operationalised in the second half of this year.

Additionally, $456 million has been set aside for the continued rehabilitation of Leguan, Fort Island and Bartica stellings.

Last eyar, the stelling at Wakenaam and sections of the Parika and Supenaam stellings were rehabilitated.