THE Ministry of Public Works, during a recent the multi-stakeholder engagement and consultation meeting at Parika, informed residents of the scope of works set to commence in the coming weeks for phase one of the new modern port facility and waterfront development.

According to information from the ministry, the works include land reclamation and sea defence works on the north and south sides of the current stelling; and the construction of the main concrete stelling, all totaling just under $5 billion.

The three contractors set to execute the phase one works were introduced during the meeting. They are Gaico Construction, Toolsie Persaud and A&S General Contractors.
The stakeholders were urged to lend their full support during the relocation process to ensure the smooth execution of the works to be done.
Both Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar fielded questions about the relocation exercise. They assured the multi-stakeholder audience that the necessary measures will be in place to address their concerns in a timely manner.

Minister Edghill also highlighted the operation of the ferry and water taxi services will not be interrupted during the construction phase.
Further, the stewardship of the President Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government since 2020 was reiterated, with emphasis on government’s delivery track record.
“President Ali and his Cabinet is one of the most responsive government citizens have had and in those sessions of engagements and listening, we continue to deliver. What you’re seeing here wasn’t promised to you when we came for your vote in 2020.

“We have not just fulfilled our promises, we have exceeded what we said we will do. And so, President Ali and his Cabinet must be allowed to bring more benefits to the people of Regions Two, Three and Seven, as a result of this port… but we must also give him an opportunity to remain in office and continue the development that is taking place countrywide. So, let’s continue to work together and stay the course, much more needs to be done,” he said.

Present at the meeting were representatives from MARAD, T&HD, Immigration Department, other businesses within the project area, water taxi operators, vendors and residents.