Nassau, Bahamas ? The Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Bahamas Construction International Limited have signed a $2.3 million contract for the structural refurbishment of Prince George Wharf and installation of mooring bollards there. It will allow Prince George Wharf to accommodate mega cruise ships. ?On completion of this project along with the project to dredge the harbor, it is expected that Prince George Wharf will be equipped to dock these larger vessels at piers with new and upgraded bollards and dolphins that are able to withstand the forces exerted by these vessels,? said Minister of Public Works and Transport the Hon. Neko Grant.

During signing ceremony at the Ministry of Public Works, J. F. Kennedy Drive, Nassau, on Monday, Mr. Grant said it was after an ?arduous? and ?meticulous? bidding process that Wayne ?Tony? Cargill was identified as the contractor. The work includes refurbishing existing bollards, replacing condemned bollards, construction of new concrete footings for new bollards, and the upgrading of bollards to accommodate increasing mooring capacity.

Mr. Grant said work is expected to commence within four weeks and be completed within 30 weeks. He said his Ministry is working with representatives of the cruise industry, relevant Government agencies, and other stakeholders to minimize logistical challenges.

Mr. Cargill, president of Bahamas Construction International, said his company plans to hire 12-15 persons on the project. The work entails removing bollards that are deteriorated beyond repair. ?We will remove the footing down to a depth specified within the plans and replace it with new concrete and new bollards," he said. "There will also be sand blasting and painting of the existing bollards that are in good condition."


Photo: Prince George Wharf will be able to accommodate mega cruise ships. A contract was signed to upgraded docking facilities. Pictured above, Minister of Works, Neko Grant, congratulates Wayne ?Tony? Cargill, president of Bahamas Construction International Limited on being awarded the contract. Pictured on Monday, May 25, 2009 from left are Kirk Bullard, senior structural engineer; Mr. Grant; Mr. Cargill; Permanent Secretary, Colin Higgs, and Acting Director of Works, Gordon Major. (BIS photo/Letisha Henderson)