Just over a year after a contract was awarded for the rehabilitation of the dilapidated Leguan Stelling, works began yesterday, according to General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) Marcelene Merchant.
Merchant told Stabroek News via telephone that piling works for the foundation of the stelling commenced yesterday and other additional works are expected to be carried within the next 12 months.
It is unclear what caused delay in the rehabilitation of the stelling.
Just last week, a section of the stelling collapsed, resulting in residents calling on relevant authorities to look at the situation.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure was forced to mobilise for emergency repair works after piles from the stelling’s low ramp broke, resulting in it being inaccessible to passengers.
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.
In September last year, more than two months after bids were opened for the rehabilitation works on the Stelling, a contract was awarded. Then 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.
