New Mabaruma stelling to improve Region 1 transport, economy

– ready to support marine traffic, says Public Works Minister

Residents and businesses in Region One (Barima – Waini) are set to benefit from improved transportation, reduced cost of goods and expanded economic opportunities with the completion of the new, modern stelling at Mabaruma.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, during a site visit Friday, said the stelling is fully serviceable and ready to support marine traffic to the hinterland region. This facility will be able to accommodate front-loading vessels having the capacity to transport 30 vehicles at once, improving access to the region that will result in the rise of economic activity.

The stelling will support the operation of several vessels, including the MV Ma Lisha, the newly acquired Kalliopi N and the MV Barima, which will operate shuttle services as construction at Port Kaituma continues. These vessels will ensure a steady flow of cargo, vehicles and passengers into region one. The regional chairman and Mayor of Mabaruma welcomed the development, describing it as a long overdue transportation initiative that would greatly benefit the people of Mabaruma and the region at large.

The Mayor expressed, “The delay of vehicles getting to Mabaruma will also be something of the past. Because, like the Minister said, our new ferry to Mabaruma will bring roughly 32 vehicles. And so, we’re happy for that, because time and time again, as Mayor, and I’m sure Regional Chairman too, I would have received complaints about getting vehicles here, not just from our residents, but also from our contractors who have timelines to get their projects done. So, I’m very happy about that.”

Beyond transportation, the station features modern amenities, including a terminal building with comfortable seating, washroom facilities, baby-changing areas, storage spaces for cargo, lighting and parking areas. The facility is also designed to operate day and night and accommodate two vessels simultaneously. Officials also emphasised the stelling’s role in advancing agriculture and trade, allowing farmers easier farm-to-market access and more frequent shipment of produce to the coast. Minister Edghill also committed to completing the road network leading to the stelling once the national budget is passed, ensuring smoother access for increased traffic.

Amerindian Affairs Minister, Sarah Brown related that the project reflects the Ministry of Public Works’ commitment to improving infrastructure in Region One and advancing the Government’s wider objective of narrowing the development gap between hinterland communities and the coast. She added, “It’s a testimony to the hard work and the commitment of the Ministry of Public Works and, by extension, the Government that we are present, Your Excellency, in ensuring, like the Regional Chairman said, that the gap between Hinton and the coastline is rich. And the same services that we, that those of us on the coastline, would have are extended here as well.”

The Mabaruma stelling is expected to be officially open soon, marking another step in the Government’s effort to bridge the gap between the coastland and the hinterland communities and providing development for its people.