Works to rehabilitate the Leguan Ferry Stelling are expected to begin soon as contractors were invited last week to bid for the project.
According to an Invitation for Bids (IFB) that was published in the Guyana Chronicle last week by the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), bids are being accepted for the rehabilitation of the Leguan Ferry Stelling.
The T&HD invited sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the project, while noting that bidding would be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedures specified in the Procurement Act, and is open to all bidders. It further said bids for the works must be accompanied by a bid security of $6 million in the form of a manager’s cheque from a reputable bank or insurance company.
The MPI had announced at its end-of-year review for 2017 that $762 million was allocated to the department’s capital programme for this year, of which $262 million would be spent on the rehabilitation of stellings.
General Manager of the T&HD Marcelene Merchant had explained that major works would be done on the Leguan Stelling, which has been in a deplorable condition for years.
Stabroek News had visited the Leguan Stelling early last year and drivers and other persons who use the facility daily likened it to a death trap. Numerous piles that were intended to support the floor of the stelling were rotting and almost falling off, while various other parts were in a deplorable condition.
Boat operator Bassant (only name given) had related that the stelling was slowly getting worse.
“If you only go under the stelling when them vehicles driving pass, then you gon’ be really worried. Every time you there and it pass, the whole thing does shake and tumble and you does got to wonder how much more pressure it could take,” Bassant said.
The man explained that in addition to the constant fears of the stelling collapsing, drivers were also forced to reduce their loads out of fear of causing damage to the stelling.
