Incomplete $1.4B Port Kaituma Wharf a “Clear Example of Mismanagement”

Incomplete $1.4B Port Kaituma Wharf a “Clear Example of Mismanagement” – Patterson

Jul 23, 2026 News

…as AFC demands immediate fleet and terminal modernisation

(Kaieteur News) – Acting Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), David Patterson, said Wednesday that the incomplete $1.4 billion Port Kaituma wharf in Region One — a project of the Ministry of Public Works, headed by Minister Juan Edghill — is a clear example of “mismanagement,” noting it was so poorly designed that it required major corrective works.

The former Minister of Public Infrastructure made the disclosure during a joint Opposition press conference.

“Port Kaituma wharf is a clear example of mismanagement. The wharf project was so poorly designed that it required major corrective works. Questions remain about whether adequate preliminary studies were conducted and whether taxpayers were forced to bear additional costs because of these design flaws,” Patterson said.

Incomplete $1.4B Port Kaituma Wharf a “Clear Example of Mismanagement” – Patterson

Acting Leader of the AFC, David Patterson

The acting AFC leader noted that the project remains incomplete to date and is now being cited as the reason the MV Barima had to remain in operation between Georgetown and Port Kaituma.

Patterson’s comments come amid growing scrutiny over the continued use of the aging MV Barima to transport travellers to and from Port Kaituma. Before tragedy struck, the MV Barima was the only vessel operating between Port Kaituma and Georgetown to carry passengers and cargo. The newly acquired US$12.7 million MV Malisha, built in India and received by the government in April 2023, had been scheduled to take over the Port Kaituma route.

Kaieteur News reported Wednesday that Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill disclosed Tuesday that the MV Malisha has still not made its maiden voyage to Port Kaituma because the newly constructed wharf there developed structural problems after the surrounding soil shifted, forcing sections of it to be rebuilt.

Edghill made the disclosure while addressing the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

“The only reason why the MV Ma Lisha has not yet made a maiden journey to Port Kaituma is that we have built out the wharf for that boat to berth, and everybody in the area knows there was significant movement of the soil and we had to break out a whole section and have it reconstructed,” Edghill told the conference.

The minister also said extensive work had been carried out on the MV Barima, describing it — prior to Saturday night’s tragedy (July 18 ) — as the vessel “of choice for both residents and business people to get into Port Kaituma.”

Speaking on behalf of his party, Patterson outlined a set of urgent demands. First, a full and independent examination of maintenance, inspection, dry-docking, and certification records for the MV Barima in accordance with the country’s maritime laws. Second, an inspection of every passenger vessel in the national fleet to confirm seaworthiness and suitability for its assigned route.

The AFC is also calling for the immediate modernisation of docking facilities, the introduction of a secure and efficient ticketing system, and the urgent commencement of a credible programme to replace aging vessels with a modern ferry fleet supported by upgraded terminals.

“This is not only about one vessel. It is about public safety, accountability, and the right of citizens in riverain and hinterland communities to travel with confidence,” Patterson said. “The people deserve answers, and they deserve a transport system that is safe, modern, reliable, and properly managed.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

David Patterson, mismanagement, National Toshaos Council, Port Kaituma wharf

Latest News