Guyana’s first artificial island being created in the Demerara River is out-of-bounds as more dredged material is being added to the still unstable area, the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc (VESHI) said on Tuesday
Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc (VESHI) has started the new year with the emergence of the first section of its artificial island in the Demerara River. The new island is part of the reclaimed land that will be converted into a massive project of an estimated 44 acres to create the coastal facility.
VESHI is currently the largest Guyanese private sector investment in the oil and gas sector and is expected to cost over US$300 million. According to the project directors, the support and encouragement provided by the Government of Guyana is a guarantee and bodes well for additional investment and the future of Guyana.
Part of the Vreed-en-Hoop port, the project is currently in the sand reclamation phase. During this phase, the dredger, M.V Galileo Galilei, will continue the process of collecting reclaimed material to create the artificial island on which the new terminal will be built.
The project will add more than 44 acres to Guyana’s coastline in the first phase. The first phase of the project commenced in June and included the dredging of the Demerara River access channel, including deepening/widening of the existing navigable channel, anchorages, and diversion basin.
Project managers say the site remains an active construction zone and landing on the island is prohibited. The island structure, although visible, is still not a fully stable structure as construction continues and the area expands. The team is therefore asking everyone to stay away from the construction zone and follow the notices issued earlier.
“The project managers have warned that the site remains an active construction zone and landing on the island is prohibited. The island structure, while visible, is not yet a fully stable formation. The team is therefore urging all to remain clear of the construction zone and to adhere to the previously issued notices.”
Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc. is a joint venture between NRG Holdings Inc.—a majority shareholder 100 percent Guyanese-owned consortium—and Jan De Nul, an international maritime infrastructure company headquartered in Luxembourg. (NRG Holdings Press Release)