West End Ferry Terminal Redevelopment Project 'redesigned to fit budget'
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.
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17 Responses to “West End Ferry Terminal Redevelopment Project 'redesigned to fit budget'”
True, redesigning and readvertising the acquisition will delay the project being complete and useable but will be in the public best interest, though service will be delayed, deferred.
Chad was one of the biggest supporters of VIP/Andrew Fahie which is why the terminal is in the state it's in but because he is with a new desperate group all of a sudden they care. The ferry terminal has been in that state even before Irma so over 10yrs now and nobody gives a sh** Road Town Terminal is horrible as well and not fit for purpose, pure wasted space and lots of mold. The entire BVI is a sh** show thanks to clueless civil servants and politicians who never ran anything in their lives except their mouths.
At the same time, I’d rather see the project redesigned to fit the budget than rush into something the country can’t afford. The important thing now is making sure the redesign actually moves forward and doesn’t become another long delay.
West End is too important for tourism, business, and daily travel for this to keep dragging on.