Suriname’s state-owned heavy equipment company, NV Suriname Zwaar Materieel (Surzwam), has appointed Shyamkoemar Santoe as its new director with an urgent mandate to rescue the financially distressed enterprise. Santoe immediately identified the restoration of the company’s severely neglected machinery fleet as his top priority, alongside enhancing service delivery to the agricultural sector.
The newly appointed director revealed that Surzwam is currently operating in a concerning state of disrepair. A significant portion of its heavy equipment is either defective or completely out of service, severely limiting operational capabilities. Santoe emphasized that conducting a comprehensive inventory assessment and systematic screening of all machinery represents the essential first step in the recovery process.
Operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Surzwam plays a critical role in national water management, drainage systems, emergency response, and agricultural production support. Despite current challenges, Santoe confirmed the company will maintain its primary focus on serving farmers through affordable pricing structures, with particular attention to supporting smaller agricultural producers.
The new director reported productive collaboration with both the Ministry and the Board of Commissioners, noting understanding of the current operational crisis. Santoe anticipates that necessary resources will be made available shortly to restore the machinery fleet, especially with the upcoming rainy season approaching. Additionally, expansion into road construction and other national development projects is being considered as part of Surzwam’s future operational scope.