CONSTRUCTION works on the new Leguan Stelling are expected to re-commence in one month’s time, while works to ensure that the dilapidated structure remains operable until then are ongoing.

This was the message of Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, on Thursday. At the time, he and a large team from the ministry were meeting with residents of the Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) island community. The meeting was hosted at the Guyana Sea Defence Department in Leguan, where several residents saw their queries being addressed on the pressing issue.

Addressing the delay of the project head on, Patterson informed residents that the project’s completion date was recently revised due to initial challenges. He explained that concrete piles were first test-driven at the location which showed that longer piles would be needed and posed the first challenge. In addition, during attempts to progress with the project it was pointed out that the contract stipulates that the timber piles needed are to be supplied by the Transport and Harbour Department rather than the contractor.

The minister indicated that a total of 152 timber piles are required and that the ministry has since reached out to seven suppliers to obtain quotes for the piles which should be acquired within a month’s time.
Following the acquisition of the piles, the project will recommence and will be completed in two phases, Patterson noted.
Phase one will result in the placement of timber piles which is expected to last for three months and phase two will see the construction of a new concrete section of the stelling which will be completed in the first quarter of 2020.

The contract for the stelling was awarded in 2018 to local resident, Kalan Maraj, at the sum of $413M. It will see the stelling’s existing gantry and runway being rehabilitated with timber, while other portions will be constructed in concrete. It will take on similar features to the modern Bartica Stelling which includes a commercial area for vendors and consumers.

Speaking with the newspaper on the sidelines, Leguan Community Development Officer (CDO), Amjad Shaw, said that residents will be very appreciative of the stelling upgrade. He said that the structure has not only been an eyesore, but a safety hazard over the years. “We inherited that stelling. It’s in bad shape because, in my personal view, they should look at construction works of more of a concrete nature that is more lasting. Most of the piles have become barnacle-eaten and it has caused massive dislocation of some of the piles. Some of them are completely gone and it makes the structure itself very vulnerable,” he explained.

The CDO also underscored the importance of the stelling to the livelihood of residents in the community. “The stelling is an important means of getting to and from in terms of transportation. It’s the only access that we have to get on to the island and for goods and services. So, it is a very essential service,” he said.

During his interaction with residents, Minister Patterson assured the community that during the period of construction, vessels – including the ferry service and speed boats will continue their service uninterrupted save for possible minor time adjustments. He also stated that the project is adequately funded and any additional costs arising will be catered for within the 2020 budget.

KEEPING IT SAFE
Meanwhile, due to structural hazards noticed at the stelling, works have commenced to ensure that it remains in fair state for use until construction begins. “I checked [the stelling today] and, in the interim, my staff was explaining that the access to the gantry of the stelling has a few challenges, some of the boards are moving and I was told that some emergency works have started and will continue to ensure that the stelling remains operable for the month before the contractor recommences,” Patterson said.

At the same time, the Public Infrastructure Ministry has also hired an Independent Supervisory Consultant Firm, through which residents can raise concerns should they witness inadequate construction works being conducted. One resident, Jainarine Nandram, told the Guyana Chronicle that in 2018, the stelling was in such a dire condition that during low tide vehicles could not disembark the ferry due to the shaking infrastructure.

They were forced to stay put until high tide to utilise a higher, more structurally-sound ramp. While minor renovation works have been conducted to rectify the issue, Nandram said that he is looking forward to the full and transformative completion of the stelling.
Nandani Narine commented: “I’m looking forward to it. I was in the old days when we had a bigger stelling and it was broken down and came to what it is now. So, we’re looking forward to something modern in Leguan. We don’t want to be left back anymore.”