Works starts on $6M Buccoo boardwalk

With funds finally found to develop the Buccoo beachfront, with work having started on June 1, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Representative for the area, Ancil Dennis, anticipates that the village would become a business as well as a tourist hub.

In an interview with Newsday Tobago last Wednesday, Dennis, who is also Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Chief Secretary, confirmed that work has begun on the project, adding that phases 1 and 2 of the project will cost the THA $6 million, but that no funds have been allocated as yet for the final phase of the project.

“The works are all part of the three-phase Buccoo Beach re-development thrust. Phase 1 is the boardwalk reconstruction, while phase 2 will cover the refurbishment of the walkway leading to the jetty area. Phases 1 and 2 will cost the Assembly $6 million,” he said.

He said the boardwalk will be 200 metres long, and will be constructed by contractors, Ayer Investment Services Ltd. First announced in 2013, the project is expected to be completed in January 30, 2020.

Phase 3 of the project is an extension of the jetty currently used by fishermen, which Dennis said would be treated as a separate undertaking, attracting a significant cost for construction.

Asked about the delay in starting the project from its first announced date in 2013, he cited insufficient funding.

“Fortunately, in this financial year, an allocation was provided…and work began just under two weeks ago on June 1,” he said.

“The dilapidated condition of the Buccoo Beach area inspired the proposal when I was first elected to office in 2013. As Tobago moves forward in its tourism thrust, adequate facilities and infrastructure must exist to complement our various tourism offerings, especially in tourist hot spots like Buccoo Point,” he said.

He felt the infrastructural improvements would enhance the ambiance of the village which is host to the weekly Sunday School as well as pop-up activities in and around the Buccoo Integrated Facility and beach front.

“The upgrades will provide added areas for socialisation, hosting of small events and general accommodation for the steady flow of visitors to the quaint fishing village who embark on sight-seeing or those who simply wish to enjoy a leisurely stroll at the seaside,” he said.