Works on new US$20M Parika Ferry Stelling project advance

– weight cap on cargo lifted as diversion route completed

The transformation of the Parika Ferry Stelling into a modern, state-of-the-art port and waterfront development continues to take shape, with significant progress being achieved at the site.
Minister of the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj, on Saturday inspected the ongoing works at the US$20 million Parika Modern Port and Waterfront Development Project.

He was accompanied by the Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vickash Ramkissoon.
According to Ramraj, river defence works have significantly advanced, with the area now fully sealed to protect against flooding. “Construction of the stelling is approximately 15 per cent completed, with pile cap works underway ahead of the installation of precast beams.”
In addition, the temporary diversion timber jetty has been completed, allowing cargo exceeding 20 tonnes to once again be transported through the facility.
Construction of the diversion route became necessary after structural deficiencies were identified in the existing timber jetty at the Parika/Supenaam Stelling, resulting in the imposition of a load restriction.
The Public Works Ministry had said the 20-tonne restriction on the loading links span bridge was to ensure the safety of vehicles utilising the ferry service due to the current rehabilitation works at the Parika Stelling.
The new temporary facility is designed to safely accommodate the loading of trucks exceeding 20 tonnes onto roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels. The works done also included the upgrading of the tarmac on the southern side of the jetty to facilitate the safe manoeuvring, staging, and loading of heavier trucks.
These works offer massive relief for truck operators while supporting the restoration of normal operations along the Parika-Supenaam route. In fact, truck operators in Region Two had raised concerns over the reduced allowable tonnage and its impact on the transportation of goods and commercial operations, thus prompting the diversion route.

However, the Government continues to push ahead with critical works to modernise the major transport facility at Parika and strengthen connectivity. “This major investment is about building a safer, stronger, and more efficient ferry facility that will better serve thousands of commuters, businesses, and communities for years to come,” Ramraj said following Saturday’s visit.
To advance the construction of the new Parika Ferry Stelling and Waterfront Development Project, the Government allocated the sum of $2.2 billion in Budget 2026.
With completion set for 2028, this project will transform the old Parika Stelling into an international port of entry and a major regional hub for tourism, agriculture, and shipping.
In June 2025, a contract was awarded for the first phase of the new US$20 million Parika Ferry Stelling and Waterfront Development Project. Phase one of this project includes foundation works and river defence, totalling more than $4.5 billion. Executing the first phase of works are contractors Gaico Construction, Toolsie Persaud Limited, and A&S General Contractors.
Before the project design was approved, consultations were held with all stakeholders, including farmers, minibus drivers, taxi drivers, boat operators, and businesses – essentially all agencies that currently operate from the area.
Additionally, the Government also engaged residents along the Parika Sea Dam, East Bank Essequibo, with the aim of relocating them in order to facilitate the Parika Waterfront development.
During a visit to the area back in March, Housing Minister Collin Croal assured the families that the relocation process would be conducted in a fair and orderly manner. He noted that the Ministry has engaged extensively with affected residents throughout the process and has received cooperation from the majority of households.
As part of the initial groundwork for the relocation initiative, on August 22, 2025, a joint team comprising representatives from the Public Works Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry, and the Sea and River Defence Commission conducted a site visit at the Parika Waterfront Informal Settlement to inventory households occupying the area earmarked for development.
During that assessment, 42 structures were identified, representing 36 households slated for relocation. Of these, 36 households were deemed eligible for house lot allocations, while the remaining occupants were found to have already benefited from previous allocations based on CH&PA’s records.
Significant progress has since been made in the allocation of house lots to affected families in order to allow for their relocation.
Meanwhile, phase two of the Parika waterfront development project will see the establishment of a marina for yachts arriving from the Caribbean and around the world.
Additionally, the entire waterfront will also be developed for entertainment and restaurants, providing tourists access to Essequibo’s rich, untapped beauty and biodiversity.
The modern international port facility at Parika is one of several critical transport upgrades being implemented nationwide to support Guyana’s economic expansion, regional connectivity, and tourism development. The development of the Parika port ties into the Government’s goals of positioning the country as a key expedition cruise hub destination.