Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn said the government is assessing the “costing and variance” related to the execution of the revised Seawall Development Plan for implementation.
A press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said the enhancement committee formed by President Bharrat Jagdeo has been reviewing the plan, which was earlier drafted, to see which aspects can be adapted and implemented under a new initiative. The plan to develop the Georgetown seawall into an area for relaxation, entertainment and commercial activities falls under the government’s countrywide beautification programme.
The plan had originally included building a food court, washrooms, seating accommodations and parking facilities. Trees were also to be planted in the area. To date landscaping has been done in the area from High Street to Vlissengen Road, the adjacent drains from Carifesta Avenue to the Kitty pump station cleared and street lights installed. These activities were executed at a cost of about $20M.
Other elements of the beautification programme include improvements in the garbage collection and disposal, removal of road impediments, the de-silting of drains and alleyways, the manicuring of lawns and the sprucing up of national monuments. Some of these programmes have started and are expected to be completed shortly.
GINA said the Mayor and City Council was given $200M to undertake these tasks around the city. However, the government is now managing the works in the city as it believed that the council was not doing enough.
