Days after pile driving began for the rehabilitation of the dilapidated Leguan Stelling, another section collapsed yesterday afternoon, alarming residents over the potential repercussions for the island.
Stabroek News understands that with another section already unstable, no vehicular traffic would be permitted to utilise the stelling.
Residents who took to Facebook to vent noted that businesspersons would be the most affected as they utilise the stelling for the transport goods on and off the island.
One person expressed concern that if the stelling is not fixed, it would be difficult to transport fuel to the power plant on the island, resulting in power outages.
This publication on Saturday reported General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) Marcelene Merchant saying that rehabilitation works of the stelling had commenced.
Efforts to contact her yesterday afternoon for a comment on the new development were unsuccessful.
The contractor, Maraj Contracting Services, on Friday began pile driving activities to pave the way for rehabilitation.
Just last week, a section of the stelling collapsed, resulting in residents calling on authorities to look at the situation.
Earlier this year also, 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.
Then Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during a post-Cabinet press briefing, had announced that a $413.2 million contract was awarded. The contract was awarded two months after bids were opened for the rehabilitation works on the Stelling.
Rehabilitation works are expected to be carried within the next 12 months.
