Kumaka stelling to be reclaimed – Ministry of Public Works

The stelling at Kumaka Landing in the Barima/Waini area has been slipping into the river for some time now, making it increasingly difficult for use as a loading area for the ferry service. The river has eroded the waterfront to such an extent that the water has come between the wharf and the waterfront and the gap is slowly widening every day.

Some of the buildings that are out in the river as a result of erosion.

Last October, the distance was already some 40 feet making construction of a bridge between the wharf and the land a necessity to allow for the transfer of goods and people.
The Transport and Harbours Department subsequently rerouted the ferry traffic to the Kumaka Market Complex (KMC) wharf.
The Kumaka Stelling and wharf have been examined and according to Mr. Kevin Trim, Manager of the Department, a report has been compiled and submitted to the Ministry of Public Works. He said that after the report has been examined the project will be up for tender and work should start shortly thereafter.
According to Mr. Trim, the project entails building a revetment and rehabilitating the wharf and stelling to allow for its safe use by the public.
A revetment would entail building a concrete wall where the waterway meets the land, draining the area between wall and land and then backfilling the space, usually with earth, to reinforce the wall.
After this the stelling/wharf can be partially supported by both the revetment and piles.