Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill says some $30 million will be released to begin the first phase of the waterfront enhancement project at Wismar and Mackenzie in Linden, Region Ten.
On Friday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) said that the Minister engaged several stakeholders at the Watooka Guest House to identify works that could be undertaken to modernise the waterfront there.
“Whatever we do must be able to impact the people of Region Ten. It must bring immediate benefits to the people of Region Ten. We cannot do development in a way that doesn’t bring impact, and the policy direction that we are governed by … whatever we do must answer the felt needs and the desires of the people, no matter how small it is,” the Minister said.
DPI said that the consultation saw contributions from Regional Chairman, Deron Adams; Linden Mayor, Waneka Arrindell; Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Kevin Samuel; Engineer, Brigadier (ret’d) Gary Beaton; project manager Jermaine Braithwaite, among others.
Following the exercise, the team visited the prospective sites at the Wismar and Mackenzie shores where works are expected to start.
Engineers attached to the Public Works Ministry have been tasked with crafting the enhancement proposal for both locations and that document is to be delivered to Edghill today.
The projects will include proper sanitary blocks, adequate lighting and recreational facilities. The Minister said the construction will cater for senior citizens and persons living with disabilities.
“The good news is that light is at the end of the tunnel. The $30 million waterfront development for Region Ten is on the chart for 2021 and within a very short period works will begin,” the Minister said.
Arrindell added that among other enhancement projects, the municipality has put together a plan and scope of work to develop a children’s park along the bandstand route.
The Council also wants to recommission the bandstand to host recreational activities.
