-completed diversion route restores access for heavy cargo trucks
CONSTRUCTION of the new Parika Modern Port and Waterfront Development Project has seen significant progress, with engineers saying works are 15 per cent complete.
In a walkthrough and update shared on Saturday, work is continuing on the foundations of the main stelling, as engineers prepare to install precast concrete beams and decking in the coming weeks.
Senior District Engineer, Seenarine Nandram, said the river defence works have advanced; the diversion route has been completed and trucks carrying more than 20 tonnes of cargo are again being allowed to travel to the various locations served by the Transport and Harbours Department. The first concrete for the project was poured in June this year, marking a major milestone in the transformation of the existing stelling into an international port designed to accommodate cargo vessels, cruise liners and expanded regional transport services.
Giving insight into the project, Senior District Engineer Seenarine Nandram said the completed diversion route has restored access for heavier cargo trucks. This development has been particularly important, as past structural deficiencies in the existing timber jetty caused significant challenges.
Nandram also highlighted progress on river defence works, a vital part of the project aimed at protecting the area against flooding. As he shared, “To date our river defence works have advanced, the area is now fully sealed and there would be no impending flooding going forward. With respect to the diversion route, the diversion route is completed and we are now back to a stage where we are allowing in excess of 20 tonnes of cargo to traverse to the various locations that the Transport and Harbour Department is servicing,” he said adding, “With respect to the Stelling works, we have now advanced, the work is approximately 15 per cent completed. We are still in the process of doing pile caps after which the precast beams are going to be installed. “
Meanwhile, Danny Sattan, engineer with GAICO Construction, said the next two weeks will focus on installing precast components and continuing foundation work. Highlighting work that will be done in upcoming weeks, Sattan noted, “What we are looking at is to bring in our precast beams and precast decking and install it on the pile caps that we have currently cast and we’ll also bring in piles to continue with our pile driving,” he said. The planned activities will advance construction of the main stelling, with pile driving and the installation of beams and decking forming part of the development of the new structure. The work is being undertaken as part of the first phase of the port project, which involves foundation and superstructure construction, river defence, and land reclamation on the northern and southern sides of the existing facility.
The Parika Modern Port and Waterfront Development Project is being developed at a cost of approximately $4.5 billion, with GAICO Construction, Toolsie Persaud Limited and A&S General contractors undertaking the first phase.
Additional works planned for the wider facility include access roads, drainage, parking, vehicle scales, and administrative facilities to support its operations. Once completed, the port is expected to strengthen Parika’s role as a major transport and commercial gateway for Region Three and communities across the Essequibo River.
The development is also intended to accommodate cargo vessels and cruise liners, while supporting passenger services and tourism along the Essequibo River. Moreover, the project is expected to complement road and other infrastructural investments in the region by improving connections between producers, transport operators, and regional markets.
