Skeldon produced more sugar this year than in 2009

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) reports the Skeldon factory as having already produced more sugar in 2010 than it did in 2009.

This achievement comes at a time when engineers of the Chinese contracting firm CNTIC are still working to correct all the technical defects by mid-2011. In 2009, Skeldon produced 25,715 tonnes of sugar when both factories were in operation. While this was well below its budgeted target, production to date for 2010 is 30,522 tonnes. GuySuCo noted that the factory continued to grind throughout the recent one-week industry-wide strike. It added that, apart from the technical problems, production would have been much higher had there not been work stoppages due to strikes and wet weather occurrences throughout the year.

“A significant achievement this year is the availability of canes industry-wide; and, with specific regard to the US$185 million Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project, it is expected that the required supply of canes from both private farmers and the corporation, to feed the factory at full capacity, will be a reality in 2012,” the corporation stated.

In an earlier release, GuySuCo had indicated that the contractor that built the factory, CNTIC, would fix all the remaining defects by January 2011, with the exception of the number one boiler, which is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2011.

At a recent press briefing, GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Bhim assured that arrangements are in place to fix all outstanding problems at the Skeldon factory, getting it ready to operate at full capacity for the second crop of next year. Repairs to the boiler are estimated at US$2.4 million, and a contract has already been inked for this work.  There are some other identified defects in the factory, and these are being fixed while the factory is still in operation. 

Another main problem at Skeldon estate is the punt dumper, built by the American company HONIRON. Management has since identified the problems with the dumper, and is bringing in American engineers to do the repairs. 

Even with the damaged boiler, the factory can process 250 tonnes of cane per hour. For the first crop next year, a 320-tonne-per-hour capacity could also process the canes that would be ready between mid-February and end of April, according to Bhim.