At least 75 percent of the workforce involved in the Heritage Wharf modification project will be local, Public Works Minister Trevor Moniz announced yesterday.But 22 temporary work permits have been approved for the project which needs skilled operators for barges and pile driving equipment.Mr Moniz said that locals will work closely with overseas experts and are set for an “excellent learning experience”.The statement added: “The barges, cranes and other equipment that are being brought in for these works are larger than what are found locally and require skilled handling.”It revealed that Sunrise Construction Ltd, Crisson Construction Ltd and Onsite Engineering Ltd had been contracted for the work, “and they will continue to employ Bermudian staff.“However they will also be employing staff from abroad to operate the barges and pile driving equipment in a safe manner without danger to local employees.“The design of the strengthening works has been reviewed in detail, particularly at the forces exerted on the dock during the berthing of the ship as well as during the cruise ships’ stay.“In order to withstand loading from the cruise vessels in a sustained 45 knot wind speed and the waves associated with this, it has been necessary to use more piled foundations of a larger size that are driven deeper and orientated correctly.“The structures that will be built will be noticeably larger than those currently seen at Heritage Wharf and will prevent the existing structure from being overloaded and damaged.“In order to undertake the works in the restricted timescale and to a high quality the Ministry has imported the piles in 120ft lengths.“This reduces the amount of time needed for site welding considerably but unfortunately it requires that equipment be introduced that is capable of handling this size of pile. All of the welds will be inspected in detail to ensure compliance. Those already completed have been inspected and any defects found have been repaired. All site welds will undergo the same rigorous scrutiny as is required to ensure a product that will stand the test of time.”The release adds: “All payments on this project will be supported by documentation and fully auditable and, there are no hidden costs. Rates for labour, equipment and materials have to be agreed up front and have been verified by Government using cost databases recognised within the industry.”The statement appears to be a response to Opposition criticism about the number of work permits issued.Deputy Opposition Leader Derrick Burgess also claimed that equipment available locally was imported and that the work permit holders brought in had been staying at a hotel.Mr Moniz expressed gratitude that accommodation had been provided for the foreign workers at “a significantly discounted rate from a local hotel in what is we believe a mutually beneficial arrangement.“We have also benefited from unsolicited help by local firms in facilitating the delivery of materials to site.”Government is making modifications to the wharf after finding it to be structurally unsound. The goal is to complete the $22 million project by May in time for the arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway and before the cruise ship season starts.The Ministry expects an economic boost to local businesses in the Dockyard area, as a result of the project.