Shastri Boodan
Published: 19 Aug 2010

Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner and permanent secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport Cheryl Blackman stand at the edge of the Cunupia River, near the Lakan Karriah cremation site, Felicity, yesterday. Photo: Sashtri Boodan

Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner said he is determined to bring the water taxi service to Chaguanas. He said so yesterday while addressing the media during his visit to a proposed site for the service. The proposed area is next to the Lakan Karria cremation site on the banks of the Cunupia River, Felicity. Warner had earlier toured parts of South and Central Trinidad to look at road works in those areas.

The minister said the road projects had a cost of $240 million and so far he was satisfied with the job. Warner said two water taxis would be sold and the monies from their sale would be used to build the Chaguanas terminal. He said the service could have a tremendous spin-off, including opening an avenue for tourism. Warner said suggestions to put the facility at Brickfield, Carapichaima, were not feasible because a greater number of commuters would be serviced from Chaguanas. He said the necessary studies and consultations would have to be done before any work was started.

He said as soon as his ministry got the greenlight the project would begin. Warner said his mind was not fully closed about selling the water taxis since he had been bombarded with requests to have a service from Point Fortin to San Fernando. However, he noted, the water taxis must not be a burden on the state. Warner said before the end of the year commuters could look forward to a special lane for buses and maxi taxis. He said that would be done to ease the congestion on highways between 6 am and 9 am.

Source: http://test.guardian.co.tt/?q=news/general/2010/08/19/warner-water-taxis-chaguanas