Robinson-Regis: Macqueripe ready to reopen

AFTER WEEKS of renovations, Macqueripe Beach is now ready to reopen to the public.

Minister of Planning Camille Robinson-Regis made the announcement on Wednesday after inspecting work done at the beach.

“I came to just make sure that we were ready and the general manager (of the Chaguaramas Development Authority) did ask me if I felt comfortable enough that we can open for tomorrow, and I do.”

Robinson-Regis commended the contractors for a job well done in repairing and refurbishing several areas.

“We did the rails over with greenheart wood and we painted the rails. We did a lot of manicuring and pruning of shrubs and the greenery. We had to power-wash the steps, because after a while they get a little slippery,” said CDA general manager Karen Clark-Rowley.

There is still work to be done, however. To ensure that there is no residual water on the paved areas, a slip drain has to be installed. The massive hole at the eastern end of the facility caused by erosion of a retaining wall has not been repaired, but a fence has been put up around the hole and a sign mounted to ensure people know that spot is dangerous.

Asked about the hole and the eroded retaining wall, Robinson-Regis said her ministry is working with the Ministry of Works and Transport, which deals with coastal protection to see if it could be repaired as fast as possible.

“Some of you may know that we also have internet lines and so on that come through this area, so we want to make sure that this area is always kept at a standard where we don’t have any issues with the internet cables breaking,” Robinson-Regis added.