Decision to close Macqueripe not sudden, says planning minister

THE DECISION to close the gates to Macqueripe Beach for renovations was not sudden, said Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis, while answering questions in the Senate on Tuesday.

Robinson-Regis said the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) had a “comprehensive repair programme” for the beach, which included repairs to the infrastructure. She said work has already begun on the renovations.

“There has been a significant amount of erosion and degradation and destruction of the safety features on Macqueripe Beach.

“In the short term, the works have already begun with the clearing of debris and removal of trees in and around the facility, the kerbs in the parking area are being repainted and the car park is to be clearly defined. The railings are being temporarily repaired using cable wire until they can be replaced. The steps have been pressure-washed. The lifeguard booth is to be repainted and the steps are to be repaired. Timber has already been purchased for the repairs.”

She said in the long term, the CDA intends to replace the timber railings with PVC bollards.

She admitted that maintenance work on the steps, which could get slippery when wet, should be done more often. She said the terrazzo surface on the stairs is usually power-washed and treated with lime.

Macqueripe was closed on March 12, a week after Newsday contributor Mark Lyndersay reported on its dilapidated state in commentary accompanying his online photo essay.

Lyndersay described and photographed a slippery flight of stairs with gaps in the accompanying railing, a growing sinkhole behind the retaining wall and tonnes of dirt being washed away from behind it.

“At this point Macqueripe is in a bad way, but not in complete collapse,” Lyndersay wrote.

Read Lyndersay's article here:

Macqueripe: Collapse under CDA