Over $440M to be spent on major ferry repairs

What this source establishes

A DPI procurement release published four months before the disaster, showing the MV Barima was already out to tender for docking and overhaul at an engineer's estimate of $124.5 million under National Competitive Bidding. It records that the state had identified rehabilitation needs for the Barima, Ma Lisha and Hercules by March 2026. Minister Edghill later characterised this tender as 'normal procurement for routine maintenance'.

Official statement recorded in this source

Pre-disaster government record: the MV Barima was listed for docking and overhaul works with an engineer's estimate of $124.5 million, tendered under National Competitive Bidding from 9 March 2026.

Key claims

• Rehabilitation of three key vessels valued at over $440 million announced.
• MV Ma Lisha: 70-metre passenger and cargo vessel operating between Regions One and Four; engineer's estimate $199.3 million.
• MV Barima: services the Georgetown to Port Kaituma route in Region One, including Mabaruma and Kumaka; estimated cost $124.5 million.
• MB Hercules: operates from Parika Stelling along the Essequibo River to Bartica, Supenaam, Leguan and Wakenaam; estimate $124.2 million.
• The Ministry of Public Works' Transport and Harbours Department invited contractors to bid for docking and overhaul works under National Competitive Bidding procedures.
• Bidding documents available beginning March 9, 2026, for a non-refundable $5,000 fee.
• Completed bids to be submitted to the National Tender Administration Board at the Ministry of Finance.

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