Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan says the Toco Port project remains on course but cannot advance to construction until all statutory approvals are granted, particularly from the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).
“Everything is as we have said before. The designs are completed, and we are now working on the statutory requirements,” he said
Sinanan said that environmental clearance was a crucial prerequisite for moving forward.
He explained, “A port is not something you can just go out and build, You must secure EMA approval, conduct extensive studies, and ensure all regulatory requirements are met before proceeding.”
He noted that the environmental approval process is lengthy, requiring assessments across multiple climatic conditions.
“To get EMA approvals, studies must be conducted over different dry and rainy seasons. That is the stage we are in right now,” he said. “Until all statutory approvals are secured, we cannot go out for tender.”
He said the approval process was outside the ministry’s control, adding, “We have to satisfy the EMA’s requirements, and that dictates the pace,” he added.
National Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (Nidco) chairman Herbert George confirmed that work is ongoing.
“So far, we have completed the conceptual and preliminary designs and are pursuing a certificate of environmental clearance from the EMA for the implementation phase,” George stated.
“We have completed and submitted the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study which has undergone EMA review. The EMA has provided a Review and Assessment Report requesting additional data collection. We are currently addressing those requirements,” George explained.
The Toco Port project has faced resistance from environmental groups. On May 22, 2020, 19 civil society organisations raised concerns about the EIA, challenging its findings and questioning the project’s alignment with national environmental policies.
The groups argued that the proposed port contradicts the Vision 2030 National Development Strategy which prioritises environmental sustainability. They highlighted “critical misrepresentations and shortcomings” in the EIA’s assessment of biodiversity and ecosystems along the northeast coast and the broader Caribbean/Atlantic marine environment. —RHONDOR DOWLAT