Works on Bartica Stelling are moving apace amid challenges, and according to Junior Public Works Minister Annette Ferguson, phase one of the project is about 35 per cent completed.
Ferguson explained that while work was progressing, it has been hindered owing
Ongoing works on the substructure of the Bartica Stelling
to the frequent changes of the tide.
“The men cannot work during the high tide; to date, they have already installed the timber piles which have to be encased in concrete, so it’s just for them to start the casting, which cannot be done during the tide,” Ferguson explained.
She added that concrete works on the sub-structure and steel bending were ongoing.
The project, which commenced last October, is a multi-year one. However, phase one, which is the substructure (base/underlying/supporting structure), is now expected to be completed by September 2017 after which work on the superstructure (upper part) will commence immediately, Minister Ferguson pointed out.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) report, the project’s description outlines that the southern section of the Stelling is to be demolished and reconstructed with support piles made of greenheart for the substructure and the southern timber fender system to be completely redone.
The superstructure will house various Government offices, commercial
Minister Annette Ferguson assessing works done at the Bartica Stelling
businesses, passenger waiting area, canteen and staff offices.
The project, which is funded by the Government, will help provide the good life for Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) residents and other persons who travel to the Region, Minister Ferguson confidently stated.
“By virtue of the Government pumping this amount of money into this project, means a lot. As a government, we sought to enhance this stelling because we don’t want to continue our tenure with dilapidated infrastructure. We want to ensure passengers are comfortable and safety is adhered to, so the enhancement of this stelling will definitely bring relief to the residents and those travelling,” Minister Ferguson posited.
The sum of $240 million from the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s $34.6 billion 2017 allocation is being spent for the execution of this project.
