EPA seeking public feedback on new Parika Stelling

Government is looking at building a new Parika Stelling to replace the old one that has seen its fair share of troubles and it has approached the Environmental Protection Agency for approval.

This was revealed in a notice issued by the EPA, which sought feedback from the public on the proposed project. According to the EPA, the public has 28 days to submit any questions or suggestions to the agency to be considered in the Impact Assessment.
The agency noted that the project is likely to involve demolition and excavation work, concrete, timber and steel fabrication. In addition, the project will include pile driving, stockpiling of materials and removing construction debris. The EPA noted that the project will, therefore, have some degree of impact on the surrounding environment.

“As such, in keeping with the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be required for such a development before any decision to approve or reject the proposed project,” the agency explained.
“Members of the public are hereby invited, within 28 days of this notice, to make written submissions to the agency, setting out those questions and matters which they require to be answered or considered in the Environmental Impact Assessment.”
It was only in June of this year that a contract was approved for repairs to the Parika Stelling, to the tune of $52 million. Last year, it was announced that a US$15 million loan was secured from the Caribbean Development Bank, to finance an upgrade of the structure. Over the years, millions have also been spent on repairs to the facility, which services the Essequibo Islands and West Demerara.
Over the years the stelling has been inundated with water as a consequence of heavy rainfall and high tides. A similar situation arose a few months ago when high tides resulted in the flooding of the facility.
The flooding had resulted in a number of commuters, who use the Parika Stelling to travel to the Essequibo Islands and other areas, having difficulties accessing transportation to and from these areas.