–addressing truck operators’ tonnage concerns
Truck operators using the Parika–Supenaam route are expected to see relief by early next week, as construction of a temporary diversion jetty at the Parika Stelling nears completion.
Minister of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj inspected the works on Friday.
In a statement posted to his official social media page, Minister Ramraj revealed that the project is on track to be finished by Monday.
According to the ministry, the jetty, being built alongside the existing wharf, is designed to let trucks over 20 tonnes load safely onto roll-on/roll-off vessels.
This workaround was made necessary after engineers found structural deficiencies in the original timber jetty and imposed a load restriction.
That restriction had squeezed commercial haulage along the route.
According to the ministry’s statement, the diversion project traces back to a meeting Minister Ramraj held with Region Two truck operators, where they raised concerns about the reduced tonnage limits and their effect on moving goods.
Work underway also includes upgrading the tarmac on the jetty’s southern side, to give heavier trucks room to stage and manoeuvre safely.
Minister Ramraj was joined on the inspection by Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Vickash Ramkissoon and technical staff from the Ministry of Public Works.