Major upgrades for wharfs and stellings – Patterson

…no mention of Charity wharf

Citizens who rely heavily on ferry services will soon benefit from improved facilities as rehabilitation works are set to commence shortly on stellings and wharfs across the country.
This is according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson who made this announcement recently during a live local radio programme. He said the project will include the preparation of detailed designs and cost estimates for the rehabilitation of sea defences and ancillary waterfront development.
Minister Patterson noted that the stellings will be designed into a modern market-like environment, while noting that these upgrades are necessary, especially for persons using this facility to ply their trade.
However, despite a report presented by the engineer of the Public Infrastructure Ministry claiming that the Charity Market Centre Wharf have sunk more than six inches and poses a serious risk to life and limb, there was no mention of works to be done at that facility.
In his 2018 Budget speech last year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had announced that $250 million was allocated to upgrade the Bartica and Leguan stellings.
Additionally, it was also revealed at the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s end of year review that studies for the rehabilitation of the Parika, Supenaam and Wakenaam stellings would be undertaken.
A total of $534 million was allotted in the 2017 Budget to the department, and $240 million will be used on vessels, while $294.2 million will aid in upgrading stellings.
Another $20.0 million was allotted for the construction of two water taxis.
Some $130 million will be used to extend the current narrow driveway of the Supenaam stelling to permit easier passage of long-based trucks. The entire driveway will also be asphalted.
In July 2016, the MV Sabanto had collided with the floatation unit and cluster piles causing extensive damage to the Supenaam stelling. Subsequently, rehabilitation works were executed by the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation to the tune of $17 million.
Additional works were executed to the Supenaam stelling, including rehabilitation to the side loading system where three piles were replaced, re-installation of defective galvanised safety rails and lamp poles, and recasting of defective curb walls. Sections of the driveway are to be covered with asphalt.
The sum of $20 million will be used on the Morawhanna stelling which will see some rehabilitation works, including works on the bond and wharf, and the fender system will be reconstructed. “This facility was last rehabilitated in December 2005.
Some $10 million will be spent on rehabilitating the New Amsterdam and Rosignol stellings. Areas to be addressed include the lavatory block for staff and passengers, office space, lunch room and a few deck planks.
Further, rehabilitation works will commence on the dilapidated Mazaruni dockyard. The entire docking facility and workshop would be rehabilitated at a total cost of approximately $50 million.
The contract for the rehabilitation of the goods wharf has been awarded to M Sukhai Contracting Service to the tune of $58.9 million.
Meanwhile, for vessels, general docking and rehabilitation of the MV Sabanto and MV Kanawan were executed by EC Vieira to the tune of $77.5 million and $76.9 million respectively.
Other vessels docked include the MV Makouria, MB Sandaka, MV Lady Northcote and MV Malali among others.