Construction of a temporary diversion jetty at the Parika Stelling is nearing completion and is on track to be finished by Monday. Truck operators are expected to see relief by early next week.
The Ministry of Public Works says the jetty is being built alongside the existing wharf. It will allow trucks to load onto roll-on/roll-off vessels and is designed to let trucks over 20 tonnes load safely. Work underway includes upgrading the tarmac on the jetty’s southern side to give heavier trucks room to stage and manoeuvre safely.
Engineers found structural deficiencies in the original timber jetty and imposed a load restriction. The workaround was made necessary because of those findings and the restriction, which had squeezed commercial haulage along the Parika–Supenaam route.
Truck operators use the Parika–Supenaam route. The diversion project traces back to a meeting Minister of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj held with Region Two truck operators, where they raised concerns about reduced tonnage limits and the effect on moving goods.
Madanlall Ramraj inspected the works on Friday. Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Vickash Ramkissoon and technical staff from the Ministry of Public Works joined the inspection. Ramraj posted a statement to his official social media page.
