KINGSTON - Though the supposed restoration of Georgetown has only just begun, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, has already predicted that it will be “tremendously expensive”.
During a recent press conference, Patterson spoke at length on the ongoing restoration. He said that it would take some time. So far, cleaning and the repair of outfalls have been high on the list of priorities in achieving restoration.
Cabinet recently approved $75M to the Infrastructure Ministry for the cleanup and restoration efforts. According to Patterson, the Georgetown restoration will include the rehabilitation of the markets along with a look at the urban transportation and the city’s entire network. He said that the restoration is expected to span the new government’s first term.
“We have 2020 vision, which is our first term in office. That’s the timeframe that we’re giving ourselves to have phase one of that vision completed,” Patterson said.
When questioned on an estimated cost of the restoration, Patterson said, “It will be tremendously expensive but not unaffordable.”
He opined that it will be expensive because of the retention of “uniqueness” needed. He noted that the Stabroek, Bourda and Kitty markets are unique structures and restoring them to maintain their individuality would require quite some money.
“If the option was given to do just one market without any semblance of what was there before, it’d be cheaper. But we have to maintain our history and our heritage. So the restoration part is what will be expensive,” Patterson explained.
Meanwhile, while much of the focus is expected to be on Georgetown and its environs, Patterson said that the outlying areas will also be considered.
He stated that the Ministry’s task force will be broadening its scope, a directive which came from President David Granger and Cabinet. He said that it was indicated that flooding, for example, occurs in other areas outside of Georgetown. Hence, a more comprehensive approach was needed.
“They’d like a holistic report from me so I am in the process of expanding the task force’s membership and the terms of reference to take on other areas…We have to holistically address where we’re going” Patterson said.
