Plans afoot to begin constructing new wharf – REO

Charity Market sunken wharf

…vendors to be relocated

The administration of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is currently in the process of locating a suitable area to have the Charity Market Wharf vendors relocated to commence construction of a new wharf according to Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson.
“We are in the process of finding an alternative spot for the vendors … we are in the process of having a consultant doing the technical aspects like the drawings and so that we will be able to construct the new wharf,” Hopkinson explained during a phone interview with Guyana Times.
He added that the works were being executed by the administration assisted by the Public Infrastructure Ministry.
“We are working with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, but the region would be taking the initiative because it is our responsibility. I cannot put a date (for the removal of the vendors) because they have to pick up everything and move, but I can say that we are moving speedily,” he noted.
The Charity Market, according to engineers, have sunk more than six inches and poses a serious risk to life and limb, but the vendors utilising the area are refusing to relocate until the Public Infrastructure Ministry mobilises a team to execute urgent repairs.
In an earlier interview, Vice Chairman of the Region, Nandranie Coonjah, said that the Wharf has been engaging the attention of the Region’s Works Committee since August 2017 and that was the reason for the initial study on the wharf. She explained that they engaged the regional engineer who ventured below the wharf and discovered the rapid deterioration.
While under there, the engineer observed large cracks in the flooring with several rotting boards. Further, most of the piles were determined to be unable to support the structure. The solid concrete wharf is thus sitting precariously on a few remaining piles, and the prognosis is that it would likely collapse.
The vendors reported that they were aware of the danger posed by the sinking wharf, but they needed a solid plan before they could relocate their businesses. They are also waiting on the Ministry to officially commence work and remove them.
The Wharf is 32 years old, and requires urgent attention since over 30 persons utilise it for vending and countless others for travel and other purposes. It is also a parking area for many persons using their boats to traverse the Pomeroon River.