Over $29M in contracts was signed to supply and install laboratory equipment and 100 metres of Geotextile tubes along the Nonpareil, East Coast Demerara foreshore. The contracts signed by the CEO of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Jagnarine Singh, and the respective contractors will also see the execution of topographic surveys in Regions Two and Four.
The surveys, when completed, will be a critical component for the restoration and management of mangroves and to ensure suitable shoreline elevation. The surveys will facilitate the gathering of critical elevation data to support monitoring along the foreshores of Ogle to Kitty and Enmore to Annandale, Region Four; and Taymouth to Anna Regina, Region Two. Data collected will be used to inform future management and design of restoration interventions.
In an invited comment after the contract signing, NAREI’s CEO stated that such contracts remain paramount to the smooth functioning of the institute’s work programme and further progress in the strengthening of the country’s mangrove structures.
“For instance, 100 metres of geotextile tubes groyne will be constructed along the shoreline to increase sedimentation and create a suitable habitat for mangroves to be restored…similar structures were done by NAREI in areas such as Devonshire Castle, Reliance and Anna Regina which have resulted in natural regeneration of mangroves,” he said.
The $10.7M contract for the installation of the Geotextile Tubes was awarded to S&K Construction and Consultancy Services and General Supplies. The project, which has a duration of two months, will cater for groynes along the Nonpareil foreshore, Region Four.
An $8.72M contract for the topographic surveys in Regions Two and Four and a $9.85M contract for the supply and delivery of laboratory equipment and accessories for NAREI Lab were signed with Bailey and Associates and MS Trading, respectively.
The equipment, once installed, will allow for the smooth operation of NAREI Laboratory, thereby increasing the number of annual germplasms produced. In the past, the lab has been instrumental in producing disease-free and -resistant planting materials to farmers for cultivation, thereby increasing production and productivity.
The signing ceremony at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Boardroom was witnessed by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, the contracting company’s officials and Heads of departments within the Ministry.
