Public Consultation on Maracas Beach Redesign
More than one hundred people attended the second public consultation meeting on the Maracas Beach Re-design project. This meeting was held by the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC) in conjunction with contracted engineering firm Lee Young and Partners (LYP) and Vicar Enterprises Limited (VEL) on January 22nd 2007, at Uncle Sam’s in Maracas. Everyone agreed that the Maracas beach facility needed to be upgraded, and members of the public shared their views on the proposed design, giving feedback and recommendations to the TDC. The meeting overall was very positive and the TDC was highly commended for their open and consultative process.
The purpose of the meeting was to impart additional information on the progress of the project; respond to issues raised at the first consultation showing how they had been addressed and to get feedback on the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which has to be undertaken.
Dr. Hepple, President and Director of Tourism of the TDC gave an overview of the proposed re-design project stating that the general objectives of the project were:
- to upgrade the beach facilities to international standards,
- to create an attraction that was environmentally sustainable, aesthetically pleasing; modern, safe, clean, effectively managed that could adequately cater for existing and projected user base of visitors and
- to seek to provide local/community business/employment opportunities.
Hepple indicated that the development concept and recommendations for the project included:
- Construction of a sand retention and stabilization system
- Construction of new vending facilities and washroom
- Relocation and installation of a new wastewater treatment plant
- Diversion and widening of the North Coast Road, south of the existing car park
- Improvement of drainage and garbage disposal
- Implementation of a total management system for the beach facility and environs
Richard Saunders of VEL made the project presentation on the TDC’s behalf. He indicated that the key features of the plan included a wider beach front and converting the existing North Coast Road into a wide pedestrian boardwalk, which would be the focal point for visitors. According to the plan, emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire) would be allowed access via the pedestrian boardwalk, vending booths would be located along the whole length of the boardwalk (increased commercial opportunities), a separate area will be allocated for events (e.g. cultural shows), new toilet and change facilities and foot-washing outlets would be provided along the boardwalk, along with open liming deck areas located near the vendors along the boardwalk.
In response to comments made at the first consultation, it was discussed that all vending would be located along the entire length of the proposed boardwalk (i.e. closest proximity to the beach). That a wider range of products including craft and souvenirs, along with the traditional foods – like bake and shark would be offered, and that temporary vending structures would be provided during construction. There would also be a transparent process for selection of vendors for the new site.
Another issued raised (but not widely discussed) was the issue of the removal of the coconut trees on the beach. It should be noted that the TDC has no intention of removing the trees, in fact a plan for increased vegetation with additional coconut trees as well as others e.g. almond trees is planned. While the TDC is aware of the potential danger of falling coconuts, the company is also aware of methods of culling the coconuts so as not to endanger beachgoers.
In the proposed design, the new roadway is to be situated north of the existing road; this also raised some concerns as to the impact on the wetlands. It was announced that the project design and Environmental Impact Assessment will seek to mitigate these impacts. Presently land pressures on the wetlands include the existing beach facility development and agriculture. The TDC intends to ensure that there is no net loss to the wetlands and compensatory wetlands are being considered.
The car park capacity is set to be expanded to 600 (from 475) spaces to cater more adequately for weekend users and there will be absolutely no parking on the beach. The expanded car park facility will be an effective solution for the flooding problems experienced at the site as it will be raised and better drainage will be installed.
There will be a sand retention barrier made of timber 1m high, placed along the line of the existing beach vendors booths, the proposed boardwalk will also serve as a barrier.
Specific zones will be provided for beach recreation such as volleyball and football at the eastern and western ends of the boardwalk, and a separate area will be provided for the hosting of events that will minimize beach disturbance. Camping facilities will be developed at neighboring North Coast beaches as there will be no Camping allowed at the new facility. All facilities will be handicap accessible (e.g. access ramps from the boardwalk to the beach).
The beach will remain open during construction and mobile provisions will be made for vending to continue. All attempts will be made to minimize disruption during the implementation phase.
Focus group meetings with stakeholders are ongoing and the TDC intends to continue hosting more public consultations to update the public and get their feedback on the project.
For Further Information contact:
Nicole du Boulet
Public Affairs Manager
Tourism Development Company Limited
Tel: (868) 675 7034-7 ext 263/ Dir: (868) 638 6343
Fax: (868) 638 7962
Email: nduboulet@tdc.co.tt
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