reliable travel for residents and visitors to the region. The Ministry of Public Works issued in a statement last Sunday, stated that the 23,000 square feet reinforced concrete stelling, constructed by K&K Construction and Hardware Supplies was commissioned by President Irfaan Ali.

The upgraded facility now provides increased space for vehicular and pedestrian ingress, egress, and parking. In addition to the main stelling structure, a new floating speedboat dock has been constructed on the northern section to facilitate water taxi operations. Other completed works include the installation of a floating link-span bridge and the rehabilitation of the existing fixed mooring ramp. The quality and standard of the completed project were praised by Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill, who noted that the retendered project was completed within its contracted sum. “The standard and quality of work was lauded by Minister of Public Works Hon Bishop Juan Edghill, who highlighted the retendered project was executed and completed within the contract sum,” the statement read.

During the commissioning ceremony, President Ali emphasised the structural importance of the new stelling, stating that it improves docking safety and expands transportation options to and from Bartica, the gateway to the hinterland. He outlined four access routes now available to Bartica: the new stelling, the Bartica Aerodrome (which is currently being upgraded by BK International and Jags Aviation), a new road link from Sandhills through Timehri to Falmouth, and the traditional route via Rockstone and Shirima. “So, people coming to Bartica will have options; air, sea and two road routes and that is mproving connectivity, accessibility and affordability,” President Ali emphasised. The ministry also revealed plans to modernise several other stellings across the country into tourism terminals, with phase 1 already underway at the Parika Stelling. The next phase of the Bartica Stelling development will focus on the creation of a new tourism marina facility. (Kaieteur News)