–Long-term vision includes state-of-the-art facility, enhanced travel
IN a bid to bolster transportation infrastructure and enhance the travel experience for Guyanese citizens, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government has unveiled plans to establish a new, modernised Parika Stelling in Region Three.
The aim of this ambitious initiative is to provide a comfortable, safe, and relaxing environment for commuters traversing one of the country’s major hubs.
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill revealed exclusive details of the government’s vision for the Parika Stelling in an interview with this publication.
Emphasising the pivotal role of the stelling in the nation’s transportation network, Minister Edghill articulated the government’s commitment to realising a modern facility equipped with all necessary amenities.
“The Parika Stelling is, without a doubt, one of our main hubs in this country, and, ultimately, the PPP/C government will have a modern facility with all the amenities put in place so that our people, the Guyanese people, can have a different level of safety and comfort when they are travelling,” he said.
Minister Edghill highlighted that the government’s approach to development goes beyond a four-year time-frame and focuses on long-term growth.
“We have never been a government that thinks and acts for tomorrow alone; our vision for this country has always been one that will enhance the lives of our people on every level and in every sector, and that goes for Parika Stelling, as well as our major developments that will come in the near future.
This type of development will be the next level, and while we are sometimes faced with different challenges, as a government, I believe that we can all agree that if we say that we will do something, then it will be done. We just have to sometimes have patience and trust that we will deliver on what we say we will. Massive development cannot be done overnight,” the minister explained.
Minister Edghill pointed out a similar situation at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, where temporary repairs are necessary until the new bridge is built, when discussing the current state of the Parika Stelling.
He added that “right now, what we are doing is almost a similar situation to the old Demerara Harbour Bridge, where we have to maintain it while we have the new bridge built. And likewise, we have to maintain the old Stelling while we get to the designs, the finance, and the other requirements for the modern Parika Stelling.”
In addition, Minister Edghill emphasised that while the government is engaged in discussions to upgrade the Stelling for the economic growth of the country and the well-being of its citizens, ensuring the safety of the facility’s users remains their top concern.
According to him, “Yes, we are discussing the modern facility and all that we will need, but we are not sitting and waiting on that; we have to ensure that our people that use that facility on a daily basis are doing so in the safest manner. Right now, we are doing some repairs, ensuring that rails are in place, and all safety measures are in place for the people, the ferries, as well as the water taxis. So, we have been doing some work on the Stelling, and we will continue to do that. Just recently, with the help of the fire service, we were able to get the Stelling washed properly so that the moss and other debris were removed.”
The Minister concluded by urging everyone to maintain cleanliness at the Stelling and refrain from littering, as it can cause harm or inconvenience to others.
Minister Edghill recently toured several ports and discussed the significance of boat operators ensuring their vessels have proper safety measures in place, as well as preventing passenger exploitation.
He states that the government recognizes and values the significant role of water taxi owners, operators, and stakeholders in offering public transportation in Guyana. Nevertheless, he has clearly stated that he will not tolerate exploitation or put the safety of Guyanese citizens at risk.
“The criteria for these operators and owners aren’t anything new; they know that they must ensure that their boats are properly examined so that the people who are using these boats, whether our local Guyanese or tourists, do not have to feel uneasy or scared because of it cutting off in the ocean or them having to exchange into rescue boats in the middle of the river.
We are ensuring that the inspections, the licensing, the compliance, and the overall control of the boats are maintained so that people feel safe while travelling. We are also asking the boat operators to clean their life vests so that they are well maintained and properly sanitised for the people,” the minister explained.
Minister Edghill also spoke about the unfounded rumors regarding increased boat prices, emphasizing that the Guyana government has not made any official statement about raising water taxi fares or public transportation expenses. He also made it clear that individuals who excessively charge passengers will be subject to legal repercussions.
