The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Minister of Transport and Aviation said yesterday that work on the $3.1 million Potter’s Cay dock redevelopment was moving froward “progressively”, with the aim of providing safer and more streamlined operations.

“The work is moving forward progressively,” said Glenys Hanna Martin. “A lot of work has been completed but there is still a lot to do. I think they are getting ready to do paving of the roadways now.

“I believe that the landscaping is in the following phase. The have done the curbing, which will create a safer environment, and I think they are creating a new entrance. Railings will also be installed for a boardwalk.”

She further told Tribune Business: “There are two issues out there. One, which I’m directly involved with, is the docking facilities for mailboats and fishing boats, and the other involves the vendors and that experience.

“In terms of the mailboats we’re looking to create a safer and more secure environment. We will have a freight building, which will be the processing point for goods to be transported to the mailboat. Right now, everyone just drives up to the dock and unloads.

“The dock is going to become more controlled in terms of access. We want to do away with that type of concentrated activity on the dock; it’s going to be more streamlined and structured. For passengers we are going to have a holding area, which will be sheltered with restrooms.”

The three-phased redevelopment plan called for the removal and relocation of trees on the southern foreshore to create a parking area for more than 100 vehicles, which would extend eastward to Williams Street; the extension of the Fish and Farm store by 150 feet to accommodate mailboat services; and a new bathroom area with a security presence.

Phase two is expected to see the development of security checkpoints at the entrance and exit of the entire facility, and kerbs erected around the perimeter of the dock as a safety measure to prevent potential accidents.

In the third phase of the 16-month project, the dock’s main entrance and exit is expected to be widened, and additional signage, drainage wells and landscaping will be installed.

Mrs Hanna Martin said that under the project there is expected to be more uniformity with the vendors who operat. That aspect falls under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.