San Fernando Mayor Navi Muradali held a short sod turning ceremony yesterday at the new location for the upcoming San Fernando Boardwalk.In what will be the recreational area, tiled with colourful stones, and fitted with concrete benches overlooking the Gulf of Paria, Muradali and MP for San Fernando West Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan got their hands dirty when they shovelled some dirt to mark the start of work along a half-mile stretch of Lady Hailes Avenue.
The $6 million project is part of the overall Waterfront development plan intended to provide South Trinidad with a safe and enjoyable place to relax, Muradali said.This phase (phase 1) is expected to be completed within the next four months, and Muradali promised to give taxpayers value for their money.He said the MovieTowne cineplex that is also being built in Corinth was a sign of a flourishing city and that waterfront project would provide job opportunities for San Fernando residents.
Seepersad-Bachan said the waterfront project held eco-tourism, commercial, and cultural opportunities for the city.She said a feasibility study was still being conducted but that annual revenue from the Boardwalk is expected to be between $500,000 to $1 million annually."This will actually pay for itself over time," Muradali said.