BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FERRYBOATS that traverse The Narrows of St. Kitts and Nevis will soon have more space when docking at the Basseterre Pier, as the St. Kitts Marine Works (SKMW) is currently dredging in an effort to keep the waterway navigable.
This publication spoke with Regiwell ‘Reggie’ Francis, owner of SKMW, who explained that his company was contracted by the St. Christopher Air and Seaport Authority (SCASPA) to dredge the western side of the pier to make way for more ferries to be docked at the same time.
“We are dredging out the western side of the berth for the ferries so that they could use that space that has not been in use for probably over two years.”
Francis explained that the area being drenched became too shallow for ferryboats to dock and, following discussions with SCASPA, it was determined that there was a shortage of berthing space and it would be best if the area was dredged.
Explaining the dredging process, Francis stated that the SKMW is currently excavating the sand, using a grab dredge, from under the sea which is causing the area to be shallow; therefore making room for more ferries to berth at the pier.
Francs further explained that upon completion of the exercise, there would be enough space to have three ferries “properly docked as opposed to two”.
The process, Francis said, is one that began last Monday (Jan. 28) and is expected to be completed within a week’s time.
