Contractor enlisted for construction of new stairs at Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling - Indar

- No timeline is specified for its completion.

UPDATE: Staircase has been constructed and speedboat operations have returned to normal.

The staircase has been completely removed to begin construction

The Transport and Harbours Department has enlisted a contractor to build a new set of stairs at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar told News Update on Thursday.

One of the two stairs which commuters use to traverse daily collapsed on Wednesday which subsequently resulted in overcrowding at the Region Three Stelling.

“So Transport and Harbour have enlisted a contractor to build the step as fast as possible with the required standard. Because you can’t build any and all steps there, it’s something that's gotta be sturdy because they tie the boat on it as well” the Public Works Minister said.

A Crowd of people during the morning rush await to be let into the Stelling to board a speedboat

Scores of people took to social media and complained about the situation, resulting in delays.

In the meanwhile, Minister Indar said that officials from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Transport and Harbours Department will continue to monitor the situation. A timeline for the completion of this new structure has not been given. “And that will have to continue until the step is finished,” he said.

The Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling is traversed by hundreds of Guyanese daily. Many commuters opt to use the speedboat to avoid traffic congestion along the East Bank corridor and also get to the capital city faster.

This article was originally published on March 31, 2022, and Updated on April 1st 2022.