Minister Liburd says its 90% complete
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DESPITE the cost overrun issue, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. Ian Liburd said construction work being carried out on the second cruise pier at Port Zante is 90 percent complete.
That statement came as the project is expected to be completed by the September 23 target date ahead of the 2019-2020 Cruise Season.
During a recent media tour of the facility, Minister Liburd told reporters that the piling and concrete works are 100 and 85 percent complete, respectively.
“The water supply lines are installed, I am also advised, and the pier construction is 90 percent complete. I said all of that to say that we are on schedule, I am advised, barring any adverse conditions.”
He also said that it is heartwarming that some 90 percent of the 125-strong workforce on the construction site is primarily locally based.
Meanwhile, the Minister revealed that the next phase at Port Zante would be the construction of a new terminal.
“We intend to construct a new terminal building just behind here to accommodate the new arrivals and the new ships, and to eliminate congestions deriving from the terminal.”
He also disclosed that a dispatch terminal would be constructed east of Port Zante to accommodate taxi operators, SCASPA and independent tour operators.
To this end, he emphasised that the St. Christopher Air and Seaports Authority would assume full responsibility for the operations at the terminal.
When completed, the pier will be able to accommodate two of the world’s largest ships, which are the Oasis vessels.
The Minister expects there would be increased arrivals at Port Zante on completion of the facility.
He has projected that the Federation could attain over two million cruise passengers over the next several years.
