(GIU) – A new fuel tank wagon is on island and it is hoped that this will relieve some of the stress associated with transportation of fuel to the stations and the island’s power plant.
According to Rudolph Christopher, Trade Development Officer in the Ministry of Economic Development & Trade the new wagon arrived in July and is already in use by Delta Petroleum. He said the challenges experienced last year in trying to repair the main fuel truck with parts from abroad, was one of the main impetus for purchasing the new wagon. Montserrat was almost brought to a standstill when the stations and the electricity company could not be refilled as the old fuel truck was down for several days.
Since 2003, the Government of Montserrat has a contract with DP to supply and distribute fuel on island. Presently DP leases the holding facilities at Carrs Bay, which the government built following the relocation of main operations from the abandoned capital of Plymouth.
The new wagon which cost almost $400,000 is owned jointly with DP and has a capacity of 3500 US gallons or approximately 2900 Imperial Gallons.