Although rehabilitation works are due to start on the dilapidated Leguan Stelling sometime this year, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has been forced to mobilise for emergency repair works after the stelling’s low ramp broke on Monday.
According to a release from the Ministry, it was brought to their attention that piles from the stelling’s low ramp broke, resulting in it being inaccessible to passengers.
As a result, the statement said, a team from the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) comprising engineers has since been dispatched to the island to assess the damage the stelling has incurred, and the matter is being treated “with extreme urgency” as they are currently sourcing the materials for the repairs.
Repairs are expected to be completed within seven days. Residents and passengers are being advised to use the high ramp during that time since operations of the stelling will be maintained during the repair works.
“Passengers are encouraged to use the stelling with caution as our engineers facilitate repairs to the broken piles on [the] low ramp. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure regrets any inconvenience caused,” the statement added.
Since 2017, drivers and other persons who use the Leguan Stelling likened it to a “death trap” as numerous piles that were intended to support the stelling were rotting and almost falling off, while various other parts were in a deplorable condition.
In a July, 2017 Stabroek News report, users of the stelling had expressed fears of it collapsing because of its state. 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.
In September last year, more than two months after bids were opened for the rehabilitation works on the Stelling, a contract was awarded. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during a post-Cabinet press briefing had said that the $413.2 million contract was awarded to Maraj Contracting Services.
