Rai Coast gets barge

 By JAYNE SAFIHAO

MADANG Governor and Rai Coast MP James Gau took delivery of a barge on Tuesday for his district.

Described as a “giant of a boat” by Justice Minister Sir Arnold Amet, the landing craft tanker Tberhyas took nearly three weeks to arrive after a make-over job, which did not show too much wear and tear despite being eight years old.

The Tberhyas is an Indonesian barge, formerly used as a fuel loader with the capacity to carry 70 tonnes of fuel.

The K995,000 barge would operate as Rai Coast Shipping Lines with the four local level government presidents of Astrolabe, Saidor, Nawa Rawo and Nai Yudo, taking charge of the landowner company.

Tuesday’s event saw Indonesian agent Ong Heng Hwa, hand the barge keys over after receiving the payment.

The barge was bought under the district support improvement programme (DSIP) transport plan funds.

Through the funds, there were plans to buy another boat.

Sir Arnold, in commending Gau, said: “This man is going 60 miles an hour trying to deliver roads and bridges. It’s an important milestone project for first timers like us and especially for the Rai Coast people. This barge must be economically viable especially when there is no copra run and I am sure other districts or maritime provinces can utilise the barge’s service”.

Gau said the barge would not only serve Rai Coast but Madang and PNG.