North – South Water Taxi Service

Description – A Water Taxi Service has been introduced between key urban centres/towns/industrial estates on the west coast of Trinidad offering commuters a viable alternative transport arrangement. It was an integral part of Government’s thrust towards catering for an efficient, integrated, multi-modal public transport system. The Service utilizes three (3) high-speed catamarans with a combined capacity of 1,150 passengers. The vessels are capable of speeds of between 30 to 40 knots, thereby significantly reducing the travel time between North and South Trinidad.

As part of Government’s strategy to reduce traffic congestion, the initial phase of operation involved an Express Service between Invaders Bay/Sea Lots in Port of Spain and Flat Rock on the San Fernando Waterfront. This reduces the travel time between these two points by approximately 30 to 45 minutes. When fully operational, the Service will allow commuters to travel by sea from Point Fortin to Carenage, with stops at La Brea, San Fernando, Couva, Chaguanas, and Port of Spain. This Service is expected to facilitate the transport of approximately 8,000 to 12,000 persons in a normal work day, operating between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. It will cater to the entire spectrum of commuters and will be designed to be fully integrated into the existing transport systems as well as the proposed Rapid Rail System when completed.

Executing Agency – National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCO)
Status – Initial Phase completed & operational (between Port of Spain and San Fernando). Other stops to be added in due course.

International Waterfront Project

Description – The International Waterfront Project has been the main attraction in the revitalization and transformation of our Capital City, Port of Spain. Development of the Waterfront included: a 428 room Hyatt Regency Hotel, state-of-the-art conference centre and business facilities; the headquarters of the Association of Caribbean States and the accommodation of 1,200 vehicles and retail facilities.

In addition to enhancing the image of the Waterfront, the hotel also assists in increasing room capacity in order to cater for an increasing demand.

Executing Agency – Ministry of Works and Transport
Status – Completed

Closure of and Rehabilitation of the Beetham Landfill

Description - The Beetham Solid Waste Landfill is the country’s largest disposal site and has been in operation for over 30 years. In keeping with environmental best practices, a plan will be formulated to address the closure and rehabilitation of the Beetham Landfill, the design and development of an alternative site and disposal system, as well as the impact of closure of the site on the surrounding community.

In addition, a transfer station system will be designed to address the minimization of haulage costs, maximization of waste diversion, improved efficiency of the handling of waste and the safety of users.

As a result of its close proximity to the nation’s capital, as well as its location within the ecologically sensitive Caroni Swamp, the main habitat for the Scarlet Ibis and important fishery reserves the landfill impacts negatively on human health and the environment. The closure of the landfill will meet international best practices governing gas emissions, leachate control, odour control and public access.

Executing Agency – Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment
Time Frame for Completion – to be determined
Status – The tendering process for the recruitment of consultants has been completed and is currently under review by the Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment

South West Tobago Environment and Wastewater Project

Description – This Project will improve wastewater management in Tobago. The major components are:

1. Facilities Rehabilitation

Facilities for the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater in South West Tobago will be rehabilitated and the Scarborough Wastewater Treatment Plant will be fully utilised.

2. Coastal Zone Management Initiatives

A number of initiatives will be undertaken to address costal management. They include:
- development of a Master Plan for Coastal Management
- development of a public awareness and education campaign
- watershed management
- addressing environmental issues at Charlotteville and Speyside
- establishment and enforcement of a regulatory framework to govern waste disposal from ships

Executing Agency – Tobago House of Assembly
Time Frame for Completion – 2010
Status – Rehabilitation works to facilities for the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater in South West Tobago are in its final phase. This involves connecting areas around Shaw Park and environs to the Scarborough Wastewater Treatment Plant.

In respect of the Coastal Management component, three studies are scheduled to commence shortly. These are: an Oceanographic Study for Coastal Management; an Economic and Finance Study; and an Environmental Impact Assessment Study. Consultants have already been selected and contracts are being prepared by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA).