The Ministry of Public Works announced on November 14 that the long-awaited Saramacca Canal Project is officially commencing with the signing of the contract with Infra International N.V., in a collaborative effort with Bouw & Infra Suriname N.V. Financed by a 30 million US dollars loan from the World Bank, the project aims to rehabilitate and improve the Saramacca canal system to address drainage issues in Groot-Paramaribo.
Cheryl Margaret, Deputy Coordinator of the Saramacca Canal Unit, delivered a brief presentation on the project, highlighting the collaboration with the World Bank, the Ministry of Finance and Bouw & Infra N.V. She emphasized various project components, including the rehabilitation of the existing lock and sluice. Margaret underscored the importance of the master plan and the data and asset management system being developed. The Deputy Coordinator encourages the community to stay informed and engaged in stakeholder meetings through the project website. The project is seen as a crucial step in addressing the drainage problem in Groot-Paramaribo.
Gail Richardson, World Bank Representative for Guyana and Suriname, expressed the World Bank’s support for the project and commended the national contractor leading the work. She conveyed her enthusiasm for the project’s impact on the region and emphasized international interest in addressing drainage issues in Suriname.
Vishnu Kalloe, Project Manager at Infra International N.V., shared details about the project’s implementation. He highlighted the challenges of clearing weeds and vegetation along the 25-kilometer canal. Kalloe emphasized the importance of labor safety and the use of appropriate equipment for the project, including excavators, pontoons and trucks. The contractor will adhere to Surinamese laws and standards regarding workplace safety.
The project, which commenced in 2019 with the signing of the loan agreement, has a planned completion date at the end of May 2024. Mobilization begins immediately after the contract signing, followed by a three-month maintenance period. The estimated delivery depends on weather conditions and project progress.
Riad Nurmohamed, Minister of Public Works, stressed the importance of cleaning the canal and raising awareness. He thanked the World Bank for its contribution to the project and insisted that Surinamese contractors actively participate in its execution. The minister also underscored the importance of a well-managed canal system and called for community support.
