Government looking at plans for revitalisation of Basseterre

MINISTER OF PUBLIC Infrastructure and Urban Development Ian “Patches” Liburd, has disclosed that plans are in the works for the revitalisation of Basseterre.

“Under urban development we have looked at what we call urban renewal that looks at the revitalisation of Basseterre and that would include as well . . . the Basseterre Valley National Park in terms of upgrading that; the ferry terminal downtown—we believe that ought to be more passenger friendly and there is actually a proposal before us to deal with an expansion of the UDC (Urban Development Corporation) area in terms of a new marina there as well,” Minister Liburd said.

He was speaking during a broadcast of the radio programme Working For You.

Already, work has begun some weeks ago to resurface the roadways at the Basseterre Ferry Terminal for smoother movement of the buses and other vehicles that use it.

The minister also revealed plans for the construction of a car park and bus terminal on Wellington Road. He did not divulge further details on the revitalisation efforts, except to say that this project would cost a great deal of money.

A proposed plan for the National Park that Minister Liburd referred to was detailed in a National Park Management Plan developed in 2009 for St Kitts and Nevis. The Team Unity Government is looking into operationalising this plan with modifications.

There is no green space in Basseterre and the Government is planning on developing in the vicinity of 800 acres of real estate in the designated protected area so that people can benefit from activities such as family outings, jogging and walking.  (SKNIS)