St Vincent and the Grenadines: Sandy Bay Sea Defense Resilience Project

St Vincent and the Grenadines is no stranger to the effects of rising sea levels and the over all effect of climate change in general. The Sandy Bay village, located to the east of the La Soufriere volcano, is an area that is acutely affected by rising sea levels and would cease to exist with time if the appropriate steps are not taken to handle the problem.

Considering these eventualities and the fact that on the west of the village, it is facing the rising sea, in the Budget presentation on January 9, the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves stated the following, “The coastal protection of Sandy Bay is a most urgent imperative,” the finance minister said. “Without it, the village of Sandy Bay could cease to exist.”

The Sandy Bay Defense Resilience Project has been divided into four phases. “We will be pushing hard to get this work done as quickly as possible,” Minister Gonsalves promised. The budget for 2023 will also address the fast-eroding Shipping Bay area, with about $800,000 in being put in specifically for the coastal defense work.

Initial works were aimed particularly at protecting an area of 64 meters. The entire project was set to be completed over a span of two years, costing an eye watering, but quite appropriate sum of $5.2 million.

Since the project commenced recently, the residents were advised as to the same before the project began, so they could prepare themselves in the appropriate manner.

The Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning in St Vincent and the Grenadines says works will be carried out in two separate sections in the initial stages and then progress to the latter stages.

The initial work entails the following two sections:

Karo River extending South – Contractor – Kelectric Company Limited

Kayo River extending North – Contractor – OB Sadoo Engineering Services Limited

The project’s tasks will include mobilisation and setup, setting out and survey works, delivery of machinery, the establishment of site work offices and other necessary set ups as well. Heavy equipment is going to play an integral part in the success of this project but also makes it a difficult and dangerous one. Consequently, vehicular traffic and pedestrians should proceed with extreme caution.

Unauthorised personnel must keep at a safe distance from all work areas for the benefit of their own safety and protection. The Ministry has apologized for the inconvenience caused to residents and have asked them to cooperate as much as possible, to facilitate the success of the project.

Considering the significance of this project to the public, their support shouldn’t be hard to gain. The project is expected to be completed on schedule as of now and is an essential under taking for the village without a doubt.