As the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) waits on a decision from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on salvaging the sunken MV Torani, a contractor has been retained to keep the vessel from floating away.
A source from the T&HD told Stabroek News yesterday that a $1.8 million contract was signed earlier in the week with S. Maraj Contracting Services to drive four large piles around the sunken vessel in the Cuyuni River to prevent it from floating into the channel and causing troubles to the boat operators in the area.
The source explained that the decision was taken since the ministry has yet to decide on what it is going to do with the vessel.
Stabroek News had previously reported that efforts were underway by the government to salvage the decades-old vessel. “We are still in discussion as to the way forward with respect to moving the MV Torani,” the source, however, related yesterday.
The MV Torani, which plied the Essequibo route, was moored in Region Seven before it suddenly capsized.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson had explained that the vessel developed holes at the bottom and started taking in water, resulting in it capsizing.
