Speedboat operators decry dilapidated steps, rails at Stabroek stelling

Speedboat operators are asking the Transport and Harbour Department (T&HD) implement a permanent fixture to the run-down steps and rails at the Stabroek, Georgetown stelling.

Only one of the two steps was in operation Saturday after two boards fell apart. Three days prior to this, the railings on the stelling collapsed.

The operators had to resort to using one step for loading and offloading on Saturday.

Yusuf Mohamed, a speedboat operator told the News Room that the T&HD and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) are responsible for the maintenance of the stelling.

“They are not looking after it and if something happens to your vessel, they putting you off for 72 hours…now these things does happen to we and they ain’t doing nothing about their facilities,” Mohamed noted.

The speedboat operator noted that the T&HD in the past used substandard materials to “patch” the structure. He recommended that engineers use greenheart to rebuild the steps and rails.

Meanwhile, another speedboat operator Poshan Khemraj said that with one of the steps out of operation, everyone is affected.

Khemraj said the T&HD collects GY$1,400 in fees daily from all operators and he believes they should be doing a better job with maintenance.

When contacted, General Manager for T&HD Marclene Merchant told the News Room that engineers have already assessed the situation and it is expected to be rectified by Sunday.

Merchant said repair works could not commence Saturday because of the high tide.