In March 2024, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, conducted an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation efforts at the Kingston Goods Wharf. Passengers can anticipate a significantly enhanced travel experience as the project approaches completion, currently standing at 80 per cent finished.

Spanning over 21 months, the initiative has made remarkable strides, with 79 per cent of the reinforced concrete wharf constructed and 75 per cent of the linkspan bridge installed. Furthermore, 92 per cent of the necessary piles for the wharf have been successfully driven, with 333 of the total 362 piles in place.

Structural improvements are also noteworthy: 88 per cent of the capping beam casts and 85 per cent of the deck slab casts have been completed. The new passenger terminal, designed for greater comfort and convenience, is now 91 per cent complete, while the storage bond stands at 63 per cent completion.

This ambitious project is being executed by Kares Engineering Inc. at a cost of $1.05 billion (approximately US$5 million). Upon completion, the facility will be able to accommodate the MV MA Lisha, a new Indian-made roll-on/roll-off ferry servicing Region One, thereby enhancing maritime connectivity.

This undertaking is part of the government’s larger strategy to modernize the country’s river transportation infrastructure. For the year 2025, the government has allocated $9.9 billion to further these modernization efforts, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and sustainability. A considerable portion of this budget will be dedicated to repairing ferries such as the MV Makouria, MV Malali, MV Kanawan, and MV Sabanto, as well as improving the Kingston Goods Wharf and landing sites in Bartica, Kumaka, and Port Kaituma.