$311M spent on rehab of stellings, wharves in 2016 – T&HD

4M to be expended this year

The Transport and Harbour Department (T&HD) of the Public Infrastructure Ministry had undertaken rehabilitation works on various stellings and wharves across the country. These works racked up a bill in excess of $311 million, according to T&HD General Manager Marcelene Merchant during a presentation

on the Department’s performance.

She noted that a $58.9 million contract for the rehabilitation of the “Goods Wharf” was awarded to M Sukhai Contracting Service. This entails the construction of an administration building for which forty 65 feet piles were driven at the western side of the wharf. All deck planks and 6×12 beams were replaced and 15 existing timber piles were encased subjacent to the scope of works carried out to the northern section of the bond in order to facilitate the admin building. For the first time a fender system was also constructed. These works were completed within the stipulated four months.

Meanwhile, the T&HD Director noted that following the July 6, 2016 collision of MV Sabanto into the floatation unit and cluster piles at the Supenaam Stelling causing extensive damages, rehabilitation works were executed by the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) to the tune of $17 million. The corrective works included the removal of damaged cluster piles, driving of new cluster, changing of damaged

components and re-aligning the span to its correct position.

Additional works scheduled for the Supenaam Stelling are the rehabilitation of the side loading system where three piles were replaced; defective galvanise safety rails and lamp poles were re-installed; defective curb walls were re-casted, and sections of the driveway to be covered with asphalt. These works are ongoing for a sum of $7.8 million.

Further critical works slated to be carried out on the stelling include salvaging and removing collapsed mooring structures from river; construct and reinstall a mooring platform; reconstruction of mooring cluster, which entails driving of seven 70 foot piles; reconstruction of timber catwalk; repairs to mooring dolphins number one and two; and rehabilitation of fencing. These works that were budgeted for in 2016 to the tune of $10 million are still pending and expected to commence soon.

Moreover, Merchant noted that the entire stelling at Wakenaam is being rehabilitated with 30 piles driven. All beams and deck planks were replaced and fender system was constructed. Additionally, works were also done in the passenger waiting area, while the lavatory blocks and clerks booking office were rehabilitated as well. The contract was awarded to S Maraj Contracting Service to the tune of $11.8 million for labour since the materials were provided by the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s works services section.

On the other hand, Merchant noted that several projects from 2015 were rolled over to last year. These include works on the Parika Stelling, which entails the reconstruction of 180 defective timber catwalks and the reinforcement of existing Pile clusters with 38 piles driven. A fender system was also constructed alongside mooring dolphins and the construction of steel gantry system, as well as repairs to link span-steel hinged support mechanism.

Works on the Leguan Stelling were also brought over to 2016 and included driving of timber piles in the carriage way area and southern section for fender system. Replacements of the northern six-pile cluster, defective pile, cap beams, decking beams and decking planks with newones, were also done along with the reconstruction of lavatory block. There were also repairs and painting works to superstructure, where 52 piles were driven.

In addition, Phase One of the Bartica Stelling project also spilled into 2016. These include the re-construction of the entire northern high ramp, the replacement of defective beams and planks onlow ramp. Repairs were also done to the timber roof valley and the supervisor’s office, as well as the northern fender system. Forty-six piles were driven during these rehab works.

Moving forward this year, Merchant noted that some $294.2 million has been budgeted for upgrade works on stellings across the country. She outlined that some $20 million will be expended for rehabilitation works on the Morawhanna stelling. Works will be carried out on the bond and wharf, while the fender system will be reconstructed. This facility was last rehabilitated in December 2005.

Moreover, the T&HD General Manager added that another $10 million will be spent on rehabilitation works at the New Amsterdam and Rosignol stellings. Among the areas works are expected to be conducted at are; the lavatory block for staff and passengers, office space, lunch room and a few deck planks to be replaced.