Part of the second phase of the Chaguaramas boardwalk will be completed and launched this month, says CEO of the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) Jocelyn Hargreaves. In a phone interview, she said phase two was split into two parts, with the second due to start soon after the first part is completed this month. Part one of the second phase includes approximately 1,300 feet of boardwalk. Part two will extend 1,700 feet further eastward.
Hargreaves said the first part was in its final stages of completion, but would be closed to the public “until it is perfectly ready.” Responding to a question about the pond a few yards from the sea that forms part of that phase, Hargreaves said: “It is not a pond. It is a water feature.” She said it was equipped with a good filtration system and denied it was a breeding ground for mosquitoes or posed any related threats to public health and safety.
Asked the purpose of a water feature so close to the sea, Hargreaves said details of all features of the new boardwalk would be explained in an impending press release. She added: “It’s not completely ready. There is still work to be done on the water feature but there is no public health issue. “In any case, there can’t be complaints (of public health risks) if it’s on a construction site that is not yet open to the public.”
She reiterated that the CDA’s project was being executed “in unison with all relevant authorities,” including the Town and Country Planning Division. “We are about safety. We got all regulatory approvals. A lot of time and energy went into bringing this programme to life. “Mechanisms are in place to keep the boardwalk sanitary and safe. The boardwalk will meet the needs and expectations of the public,” Hargreaves said
She said once the project was completed, all concerns would be put to rest and the public would be more than satisfied with the final product. Hargreaves said the project would open opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors while bringing families closer. “It will encourage family bonding... each member of the family, the child, the young adult... will enjoy a different form of entertainment.
“This also provides socio-economic opportunities,” she added. She said the project was “ecologically motivated” and would “bring awareness of the historic, geographic and geological elements” of Chaguaramas. “We will deliver a product that T&T will be proud of,” Hargreaves said.
NEW FEATURES
Among the features of the 1,300-foot boardwalk are numerous gazebos for the use of families and small corporate events, vendor booths, a jogging trail and other attractions.
Boardwalk details
The first phase of the three-part project opened in May 2012, after seven months of work, at a cost of $6 million. The current phase was budgeted at $35 million and split into two parts. The final phase is expected to be completed with a further 1,700 feet of boardwalk, two beaches, washroom facilities, a water park, an amusement park, another bike trail, more gazebos and activities.