Following a visit by its officers, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) said that passenger and cargo vessels can traverse the part of the Mazaruni River where a sunken dredge is located.
In a press release today, MARAD also said bypass channels are available for the smooth manoeuvring of vessels.
In recent weeks, MARAD and Crown Mining have been severely criticised over the failure to remove the sunken dredge at Perimap Falls in the Mazaruni over a number of months. The dredge belongs to Crown Mining and had shifted several weeks ago creating further difficulties for commuters. Several operators along the river have complained in the media about the problems and the need for urgency in removing the dredge. Despite these calls, neither MARAD nor Crown Mining have been able to remove the dredge
The MARAD release today said that its officials met with officers from Crown Mining on Monday September 19, 2016 to discuss efforts to remove the sunken dredge.
It said “Over the past few months, Crown Mining assiduously commenced efforts to remove the dredge from its current position. Unfortunately, the high tide and the location of the dredge between rocks in the waterfalls made it impossible to manoeuvre special equipment to the site.
“A team from MARAD visited the site to ensure navigation was safe for passenger and cargo vessels, whereas, a professional salvager who was acquired by Crown Mining, assessed the site to see which measures could be taken to have the dredge salvaged.
“Additionally, it was confirmed by the MARAD officers, that passenger and cargo vessels can traverse the area where the dredge is located, and bypass channels are available for the smooth manoeuvring of vessels”.
The MARAD release added that Crown Mining will continue efforts at removing the sunken dredge with the use of excavators and operators.
