–rate it ‘a prudent investment’

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure has come in for high praise from Essequibians for the proposed Supenaam waterfront project, work on which is scheduled to commence in six months.

During consultations with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Supenaam residents, both parties reportedly expressed their satisfaction with the project.

Consultations were conducted on Tuesday by officials from the Ministries of Public Infrastructure and Communities, along with staff from the Sea and Defence Department.

During the meeting, residents and RDC members were briefed on the importance of the project and the impact it will have on the lives of Essequibians.
After listening to what the engineer had to say about the layout and design of the project, persons were noticeably pleased, and even seized the opportunity to make a few recommendations.

Some called for the installation of a ramp for the benefit of the differently-abled, while others felt a floating base was just as important.

Residents who were at the meeting, which was held at Supenaam on Tuesday evening, said that they are happy that Region Two has been earmarked for such a major investment, and praised the government for making such a prudent decision.

Councillors from the opposition side of the government called for the Bill of Quantities to be made available, so that they can effectively monitor the project.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said he welcomed the project, and that a special committee will be set up to ensure that it is completed within the specified deadline.

Morris James, a speedboat operator, said that he is very happy for the project, since the current structure is dilapidated and an inconvenience to passengers.

James said that the project will help boost tourism in the region, and that when done, those utilising the speedboat service will be able to do so with much more ease.

The project, which is pegged at more G$88M, is intended to have a new passenger waiting area, paved parking areas, organised vending spaces with standardised shops, paved waterfront promenade with rails, shaded public seating and lighting.

Among the major elements of the enhancement project are the rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing main road at the Supenaam waterfront; construction of a new anchored steel sheet-pile revetment; and a paved waterfront promenade with rails.