By Feona Morrison
FOLLOWING Wednesday morning’s collapse of a part of the decrepit Stabroek Market wharf in Georgetown, the government and Mayor and City Council have increased their response by mobilising additional personnel and equipment to speed up debris-removal work.

The exercise is scheduled to be completed by next Wednesday. The collapse, which occurred amid concerns about the structural integrity of the outdated maritime terminal, has triggered immediate action to reduce hazards and restore key services that were affected by the accident.

In a bid to address the aftermath of the collapse, the authorities on Thursday announced the deployment of additional manpower and equipment to bolster ongoing the debris-clearance endeavour.
Skilled labourers, equipment operators, and emergency-response teams have been mobilised to the site, working tirelessly to remove wreckage and clear pathways.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, conducted a follow-up assessment at the site on Thursday morning.

Minister Indar said that there are additional human resources on site to assist with debris clearance, and that vehicles will be stationed at the Stabroek Bazaar to remove materials from the dock. An excavator and pontoon are presently assisting with the ongoing cleanup efforts.

Minister Parag praised the workers who were there till about 22:00hrs on Wednesday to clear the debris. She said that safety steps are being maintained around the location.
During his visit, Minister Benn emphasised the importance of safety precautions for all individuals involved in the cleanup efforts. He highlighted the importance of adequate apparel, such as safety gear, gloves, helmets, and appropriate footwear, to ensure the safety of all participants in the task.

Additionally, Minister Benn stressed the significance of efficient management in transporting materials to designated areas for the safe removal of rubble.
He also ordered the Guyana Police Force (GPF), as well as the Mayor and City Council, to assume control of the site and ensure that cleanup efforts go smoothly and efficiently.

A specialised staff from the Ministry of Home Affairs is also present on site, providing critical support and assistance to supplement ongoing operations.
Candace Nelson, Georgetown’s Town Clerk, was also present and said that the cleanup exercise is a collaboration among the Mayor and City Council, the Ministries of Public Works and Local Government and Regional Development, and the Maritime Administration (MARAD).

She indicated that the next steps would be discussed at the Council’s statutory meeting, adding that City Council would have to work with the government to establish a rebuilding plan.

The government has said it recognises and appreciates the dedicated efforts of all personnel involved in the cleanup process, and reaffirms its commitment to prioritising safety and efficiency in the ongoing response to the Stabroek Market wharf collapse.
Sections of the aging dilapidated structure came crashing down on Wednesday, causing minor injuries to four vendors and a fisherman.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had expressed concern over the inability of the APNU-controlled City Council to manage the affairs of Georgetown, noting that the wharf, a critical infrastructure, was left derelict for years.

“The mayor [Alfred Mentore] needs to work closer with the councillors in a collective way, because, from a leadership perspective, there is no capacity to manage some of these key infrastructure and investment in the city,” the Head of State said during his visit to the market on Wednesday.

He tasked Ministers Parag and Indar to assess the damage and chart a way forward in rebuilding the section of the market. According to Dr. Ali, the problem with some of the city’s infrastructure is that it is not being maintained and is left in an unsafe condition for citizens.
“And we have to decide how we are going to address those issues,” he said.