53-day time frame for repairs to Grenadines Wharf, no set start date

The extensive damage to the Grenadines Wharf in Kingstown caused by the passage of Hurricane Beryl is expected to be completed approximately 53 days after the construction work begins, although no start date has been confirmed by authorities.

The July 1, 2024 category four hurricane lashed the steel and concrete structure, leaving a large section of the wharf out of use, and forcing adjustments to the way ferries use the facility. Construction work met serious hiccups after the extent of the damage was miscalculated following initial assessments.

This was revealed by Minister of Urban Development, Seaports and Grenadines Affairs, Bernarva Browne during the question and answer segment of the November 28,2024 sitting of the House of Assembly.

Responding to a question from Opposition Leader, Dr Godwin Friday, Minister Browne disclosed that all of the “simple” repairs had been completed to date by internal teams and outsourced contractors.

Explaining the range of damage the hurricane caused, she said the waves ripped the concrete slabs off the beams, tore steel mats containing one-inch thick steel and in some instances, cut and mangled the steel.

Following the submission of proposals by contractors on 15 July,15, repair work started a month later, but within days had to be halted.

The contractor mobilized and began demolition of the damaged slabs on September, 5, 2024, however within a few days they discovered

that the damage was more extensive than anticipated. The beams that supported the slabs were fractured and compromised, posing a safety risk. This discovery made it necessary to review the repair scope, and

amend the contract. Minister Browne added, “the new scope now entails redesigning of the structural support and the concrete slabs for the berth” noting that adequate engineering assessments were needed to be carried out to inform the design of the repairs.

The condition of the wharves in the State has been a bone of contention for Opposition Members of Parliament, particularly in the Southern Grenadines.

Representative for the Southern Grenadines,Terrance Ollivierre, raised the issue in Parliament in the first sitting after the passage of Hurricane Beryl and urged the government to place upgrades on its list of priorities.

When Dr Friday on Thursday raised a supplemental question to Minister Browne to confirm the specific commencement date of the wharf repair, no date was provided.

“On the 22nd November, the Port Authority received the updated engineering solution from the contractor and is currently reviewing it. Once the proposals are accepted, the estimated timeline to complete the repairs is 53 days or eight weeks.”

Minister Browne also stated that it has been over 40 years since the wharf was constructed, and, coupled with intensifying weather systems made it necessary for a major upgrade rather than reconstruction in line with previous designs.