Consultations in progress for new Charity Wharf

Jan 21, 2020 News

After more than two years, the Charity Wharf, which is believed to be on the verge of collapse, will either undergo extensive repairs, or there would be the construction of a new and modern structure.
CB & Associates Inc. which is a civil engineering, consulting and project management company, was awarded the contract on December 14, 2019. Consultants representing the company recently met with stakeholders of Charity, as part of the project’s feasibility study.
Charity is located on the Essequibo Coast, and is a prime business location within the Pomeroon/Supenaam region. The community is also a key point of entry for persons living in the Pomeroon, Region One and even Venezuela.
The existing wharf therefore plays an integral role to commerce within the community. Present at the recent meeting were stakeholders representing the Guyana Tourism Association, the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Democratic Council, Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the Business Community.
Available to stakeholders yesterday were a number of options. The consultants explained that the existing wharf can either be rehabilitated; a modern facility can be constructed at the current location, or an alternative suitable location.
Based on information available, the wharf appears to be in a state of disrepair. The wharf is a wooden and concrete structure, which sits on wooden piles. According to the findings produced by the engineering firm, there is already some 13’’ of displacement between concrete and wooden structures. The group also reported that there is structural failure in several sections and loss of supports.
Kaieteur News understands that there will be a six-month study will before any work is executed on the wharf. The consultants pointed out that no work will be done, without first consulting the key stakeholders involved.
Mr. Deleep Singh, who is a member of the Region Two Tourism association, and former president of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, suggested that the area be developed to boost local tourism. Presently, the Charity Wharf accommodates the dockage of ocean going vessels.
Singh suggested that this practice come to an end, and that an alternative wharf should be built for ocean going vessels.
Singh went on to explain, “The wharf is situated in a prime business spot in Charity, and since it accommodates ocean going vessels, there are usually huge trucks that come in to unload and offload, and this creates major congestions around the area.”
While Singh was concerned about congestion and tourism, farmers’ and business owners’ primary concern was who gets to utilise the wharf. At the consultation, farmers argued that the wharf was built to accommodate them.
Business owners on the other hand argued that the only reason the wharf is still in existence, is because they performed maintenance works over the years.

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