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| Basic concept for the Old Road Fisheries Complex (Photos by Erasmus Williams) |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 14TH 2005 (CUOPM) Construction of the Old Road Fisheries Complex could start by the end of this year or early 2006.
This was disclosed by St. Kitts and Nevis Minister of Housing, Agriculture, Fisheries and Consumer Affairs, the Hon. Cedric Liburd, following talks with officials from Japan.
Minister Liburd said the project, which will cost some US$6 million is expected to get final approval by the Japanese Cabinet next month. This he said will trigger the exchange of notes, finalization of the design, tendering process and the signing of various consultancy and other agreements.
The Japanese officials comprising Team Director, Educational and Vocational Training in the Grant Aid Management Department, Mr. Ikeda Norihiro; First Class Architect in the Fisheries Development Department, Mr. Naotako Kumita and General Director, International Cooperation, Mr. Mamoru Kondo, presented the basic design for the fisheries facility in Old Road to Minister Liburd.
The Japanese officials also held discussions with Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ian Liburd and officials of the Fisheries Department, the Old Road Fishermens Cooperative and the St. Christopher Heritage Society.
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| St. Kitts and Nevis' Minister of Housing, Agriculture, Fisheries and Consumer Affairs, the Hon. Cedric Liburd looks at the basic design for the Old Road Fisheries Complex. |
The Old Road Fisheries Complex will comprise a boat yard facility, break water, jetty, boat lifting equipment, slipway, ice plant, cold storage and lockers. A conference room will occupy the top floor of the complex.
As part of the ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration agricultural diversification programme recently opened a EC$24 million Japanese-funded fisheries complex in East Basseterre and plans to establish similar facilities in Old Road, Sandy Point and Dieppe Bay.
The agricultural programme of ensuring food security, job creation and foreign exchange savings, includes provision of loans through the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis, training in long line fishing and the introduction of new technologies in fishing.
