BY the end of 2019, a spanking new Bartica Stelling, to be expanded more than 120 feet in length, will be in place to serve residents there and the thousands of visitors who pass through the town each month.

The plan is to dismantle the old stelling and replace it with a new one to the tune of over $700M. The estimated time of completion is one year.

Supervisor of Works Derrick Quintyn, told this publication a few days ago, that the old stelling is just 150 feet in length. “We’re taking out the timbers and everything is going back in concrete. We brought in the piles last week consisting of 300 14 X 14 concrete piles, 60 feet long. Timber piles will be going on the outside for the fender system,” he explained.

According to Quintyn, the fixed ramp is being removed so that two floating ones can be put in. This means that when the ferry arrives, vehicles can be on-loaded and offloaded with any of the tides.

Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall told this publication that the town has seen an increase in vehicular traffic to Bartica over the years. As a result, there is definitely a need for expansion.

“We needed a modern facility where persons can sit and relax as they wait on the ferry. It’s all in the package of improving the image of Bartica and we’re also working on our tourism package. If we’re going to work on tourism, then we must be able to have the right facilities for tourists,” Marshall said.

Over the years, he said the town would have seen a significant increase in tourists visiting Bartica. “We welcome the heavy investment by central government. This is the main entry point to the township, so the development of it is critical.”

The new stelling is to feature a waiting-area for passengers, along with several mini-marts.

Source: Guyana Chronicle