Multi-agency discussion leads way for waterfront developments

Apr 20, 2017 News

A multi-agency discussion is leading the way for the major waterfront developments across the nation’s coastland under Government‘s impending infrastructural improvement project.

Senior Engineer, Jermaine Braithwaite makes his presentation at City Hall, yesterday.

The discussions were held between key representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and members of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) following a meeting at City Hall, yesterday.
Prior to the discussion, a presentation on details of the proposed waterfront improvements was made to the Council by Senior Engineer of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jermaine Braithwaite.
Braithwaite outlined the areas earmarked for infrastructural improvements under the project. These include the sea and river defence fronts along Stabroek Market, Vreed-en-Hoop and on the East Coast of Demerara.
Based on the studies conducted, Braithwaite said that the mooring facilities for water taxis at both the Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop Stellings were also earmarked for repairs and major architectural enhancements.
The wharves and boarding facilities should be upgraded under the project.
According to the engineer, the plan entails details to improve the general aesthetical designs of sections of the Georgetown seawall, transforming it into an area for fostering on a large scale, economic, social and sightseeing activities.
With the rollout of a plan, Braithwaite posited that Guyana’s waterfront will become a main tourist attraction.
The proposals include provisions for a recreational zone, boardwalks and kiosks to be constructed along sections of the coastland waterfront.
With the construction of standardised kiosks, the government is hoping to introduce organised commercial activities along the river and sea defence areas.
Facilities for secure parking spaces, cycle lanes, adequate lighting and seating as well as green spaces for family entertainment, are also included in the project.
The sea defence from Kitty to Ogle is among the areas demarcated for the improvements.
In terms of improving river defence, Braithwaite noted that breakwater systems will be introduced to help alleviate issues of overtopping along sections of the coastland during seasons of high tide.
Additionally, the engineer told the gathering that works will be continuous to make the sea defence on the coast more effective with the placement of rock beams and boulders along sections of the river defence.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Finance‘s Director of the Project Cycle Management, Tarachand Balgobin, explained that the project is being financed by the United Kingdom‘s Caribbean Infrastructural Fund.
Balgobin noted too that aspects of the project will be funded through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank, (CDB). As such, he noted that the programme must show that it is sustainable and a profitable venture.
According to Balgobin, that is one of the requirements that must be satisfied for the project to be considered successful by the funding agencies.
He said that steps must be taken by the Council to ensure removal and relocation of vendors from the areas earmarked.
“We must prove that the project is viable and financially sustainable, as the project will be subject to evaluation by the agencies helping to finance it,” he added.
Additionally, Balgobin said that efforts must be made to sensitise other stakeholders on the waterfront development project.

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