The $174.4M IDB-funded rice seed facility in Region Six is to be commissioned within three weeks, according to Project Manager Dr Elizabeth Ramlall, amid concerns by the bank over the delay in the project.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, the facility will be undergoing a testing phase subsequent to the start of operations. Service from the Guyana Power and Light and the Guyana Water Incorporated will soon be installed, as these had not been catered for in the initial contract.
During a recent visit to the facility at No. 56 Village, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill chided the contractor for the slow pace of work. Leslie Ann Edwards, Operations Specialist, IDB also voiced concerns about the delay in the project, whose loan lifespan comes to an end on December 24, 2012.
According to GINA, the state-of-the-art facility has the capacity to produce 20,000 bags of seed paddy annually, and will house mechanical and electrical equipment, a scale house and a laboratory facility for rice grading. On completion, a device is also expected to be fitted to prevent noise nuisance.
