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by pltm
(PLTM) - The people of West End have a long wait to see the National Democratic Party (NDP) government make any move on the Sopher's Hole jetty project. In its second term in office, the NDP has placed the much needed project on the backburner.
First District Representative, Hon. Andrew Fahie recently enquired when government intends to hold a public meeting with residents to discuss the proposed designs, the cost of the project and the proposed date for commencement.
Hon. Mark Vanterpool, Minister of Communications and Works said that government had to prioritize the port development projects and this resulted in the execution of the cruise pier expansion as a first option.
He said that the BVI Ports Authority is currently revisiting capital development projects at Sopher's Hole, Virgin Gorda and Road Town.
"These projects will also be prioritized and following stakeholder consultations, a recommendation will be forwarded to Cabinet for approval," he said.
The NDP government has made it clear that they are only spending $3M on the project. Prior to the latter reduced figure, Minister Vanterpool had promised that the project will be done in a phased manner and the initial set of works will cost no more than $5M.
The NDP government was criticized for considerably scaling back the project by some $40M. Under the former Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government, the major expansion project was estimated to cost in the region of $43M.
Hon. Fahie had previously asked Minister Vanterpool if it's a shed they are planning to erect by scaling back the project. However, the Minister had stated that due to fiscal constraints, this level of development is not conceivable at this time.
The Minister stated that the government is taking a short-term approach to the existing facility at West End to create more passenger space.
Minister Vanterpool previously pointed out that in the medium term, government will request proposals through a bidding process for a scaled down version of the development, which may become phase I of a long-term development plan.
Meanwhile, the government has been cautioned against its rushed plans to expand the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport since according to Hon. Julian Fraser, Opposition Leader, the Territory is not ready for prime time.
He has indicated that a smart government will try to improve on what works for the Territory, like putting the Sopher's Hole jetty project in West End as priority over the airport expansion.
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