Trinidad and Tobago: Toco road project 69% completed

Trinidad and Tobago: As per the latest update shared by the Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency (P.U.R.E) Unit, the Valencia to Toco Road Upgrade Project has been 69 percent completed.

As per the Programme Director – Hyden Philip, following the completion of the project, it will encourage the economic activity and the development of commercial, industrial and residential input in the area.

He further added that the project has been covering a 12-kilometre road, commencing from the Valencia Junction and Eastern Main Road and would be concluded at the Toco and Valencia Junction.

The programme director further informed that the project had been divided into eight (8) packages. The project will include the rehabilitation activities like widening roads, drainage upgrades, major slopes stabilization and re-alignments. He further claimed that the team would also work on the small bridges and pavements across the country.

Philip mentioned that the project had been divided into ensuring the output of the economic pie to a wider part of the community. The director further added that eight contractors have been getting employment because of this project, as eight contractors have been hired for eight packages.

The construction of the Toco Ferry port was announced by Prime Minister Keith Rowley in November 2016. At that time, PM Rowley stated that the construction of the port would back the economic growth of the community in the region.

In March 2018, Works and Transport Minister – Rohan Sinanan turned the sod to construct a $196 million road upgrade from Valencia to Toco. This route would be used as a direct path to the port.

The government of Trinidad and Tobago has identified this road as the key access road of the North East coast of Trinidad. It will facilitate the communities from Salybia, Matura, Rampanalgas, Sans Souci, Cumana, Grand Riviere, Paria and Matelot.