Latest update April 18th, 2025 8:12 AM
G/T & Vreed-en-Hoop stellings up for sale
– Dr Luncheon
Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon says that the Government is exploring the option of private investors repairing the now dilapidated Vreed-en-Hoop and Georgetown Stellings.
A section of the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling
He said that there were earlier offers but these fell short of the expectations of the government.
Dr Luncheon said that the investment opportunities exist and are being explored. However, the government would not expend public funds on the structures.
Cabinet Secretary Dr Luncheon now says that the government would dispose of the stellings once the price was right.
He said that it was not in the best interest of the administration to spend public funds when the Demerara Harbour Bridge is in place and that carries a significant investment as it relates to moneys used to maintain it.
The government has already sold other wharves including two in Kingston.
Last month there was some work on the Georgetown stelling when workers from the Transport and Harbours Engineering Department replaced the once decrepit stairway used as a mooring point for speedboats plying the Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop route.
This was confirmed by the General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department, Kelvin Trim, who at that time said that plans are underway for a complete upgrade of the stelling.
He explained that the modification of the stelling was expected to start this year but that plan fell through.
According to Trim, the entire area around the stelling is heavily silted up and the department was looking at building a buoyancy facility. This, Trim said, will be the ideal facility for both high and low tides. He explained that currently boats mooring at the steps find it difficult when there is low tide since the area is silted up.
Trim added that plans are underway for the desilting of both the Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop mooring areas. He however could not say when works will begin but noted that the problem lies in the fact that the Transport Department does not have its own dredge.
“Whenever it is available to us then we can begin work.”
The upper level at the Georgetown facility
Meanwhile, Dr Luncheon also confirmed that the MV Malali will be docked sometime this year for repairs adding that contingencies will be put in place during its absence.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
A Different Silence
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Good Friday in Guyana is not what it used to be. The day has lost its hush. There was a... more
Collaborative Government–Private Sector Action Imperative for a Resilient Trade Future
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- On April 9, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension of the higher... more
Weekend Cartoon
