The Ministry of Communications and Works is announcing a pause in the West End Ferry Terminal Redevelopment Project to complete a thorough redesign. Photo: Facebook

Since the devastating Category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck in 2017, resulting in the destruction of the West End Ferry Terminal on Tortola, the efforts to establish a new ferry terminal have faced ongoing challenges. Photo: VINO/file

This decision follows the initial tender bids, which revealed costs of approximately sixty-four million dollars ($64,000,000) from a local joint venture and ninety-four million dollars ($94,000,000) from a Canadian firm, both of which exceed the approved budget. 

Challenges

Since the devastating Category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck in 2017, resulting in the destruction of the West End Ferry Terminal on Tortola, the efforts to establish a new ferry terminal have faced ongoing challenges.

According to a press release from the ministry, the new design, spearheaded by international consultants INROS Lackner SE, reduces the building footprint while maintaining essential amenities. It also includes the necessary reclamation work to ensure site stability, all while adhering to the budgetary constraints.

The Ministry acknowledges the public frustration and disappointment caused by the delays in this project and reaffirms its commitment to moving the project forward, aiming to open the construction tender process later this year.

The ministry added that renderings of the revised design have been released for public viewing.

In its statement, the Ministry of Communications and Works emphasised its dedication to the ongoing development and maintenance of public infrastructure in accordance with international standards, stating, “this commitment aims to ensure that public utilities remain reliable and affordable, enhancing the quality of life for every resident and visitor in the Virgin Islands.”

Residents frustrated

Residents have expressed concerns about the current condition of the temporary facility, which was constructed to accommodate ferry companies, Immigration, Customs, and the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA). However, this space is small and often overcrowded. 

As previously reported by VINO, the ferry dock, where vessels must stop for Customs and Immigration clearance, can only accommodate one boat at a time.