Works on upgrading Kingston waterfront 98% complete

– waterfront developments to be expanded countrywide

Works to upgrade the Kingston seawall, in a beautification project launched by First Lady Arya Ali, are substantially complete. This is according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, following a visit to the site.
On Friday, Minister Edghill inspected works at the Kingston seawall, where he received an update from Project Manager Jermaine Braithwaite. In fact, he was told that works would be completed at the site within a week.
“Right now, what should be happening is a wrap-up. We’ve had some slight delays. This should have been finished by December 31. And I just told Mr Braithwaite, all the contractors should start cleaning up.”
“This space is too important to be left with construction waste. New projects will be awarded to continue to enhance what is happening out there. But the works for 2021 are largely, 98 per cent completed,” Edghill said.

Meanwhile, Braithwaite provided details on the final works that have to be done on the seawall. This work includes backfilling and the installation of reinforced concrete necessary for the construction of vending spaces.
“The contractor is doing the final backfilling for the construction of an extensive apron that will be built here, using a reinforced concrete slab that will then facilitate the construction of the vending units. Essentially when this area is completed, we’re going to have a fairly contemporary space.”
“So this part of the work will pave the way for that phase of the waterfront development to commence. The drain here has been completed, which will serve as a retainer part of the drain for the apron,” Braithwaite said.
He also spoke of a waterfront promenade that will be built on the elevated part of the development. The tarmac itself will be upgraded and the works extended towards the Marriott Hotel. Meanwhile, Edghill made it clear that similar waterfront developments will be built throughout the country.
“Linden must experience the same thing. We’ve been spending some money there and we will be going to phase 2 in Linden. Waterfront development, both on the Linden and Wismar shore. Charity as well as Supenaam, must experience the same thing.”
“There are plans to do things all the way to Skeldon, where we’ve just finished the sea defence up there. There are plans for the development of UG road to Ogle. So, waterfront development, recreational spaces, must be advanced while we keep our river and sea defence intact,” Minister Edghill said.
Last year, Edghill had announced that the Government would be releasing $30 million to begin the first phase of the waterfront enhancement project at Wismar and Mackenzie in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). This was announced by Edghill during an engagement with several stakeholders at the Watooka Guest House to identify works that could be undertaken to modernise the waterfront area.
“Whatever we do must be able to impact the people of Region 10. It must bring immediate benefits to the people of Region 10. 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 had said.
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.
The projects will include proper sanitary blocks, adequate lighting and recreational facilities. The Minister said all construction will cater for senior citizens and persons living with disabilities.