Tuesday, May 13 2008

ALTHOUGH it has been advertised in newspapers as being “ready for boarding”, Government’s much-touted water taxi service between San Fernando and Port-of-Spain should be ready “sometime in August”, San Fernando Mayor Kenneth Ferguson said yesterday.

Ferguson was unable to give any other detail including the type of ferries earmarked for purchase by Government.

He said any additional information would have to be obtained from the Ministry of Works and Transport or the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO) which, in a two-page colour advertisement on May 11, stated that phase one of the service was “at an advanced stage” with physical infrastructure for the temporary terminal facilities at Lady Hailes Avenue, San Fernando completed.

The terminal facilities comprise a 200-car parking facility, ticket booths, toilet facilities and pedestrian walkway to the jetty.

According to NIDCO’s website high-speed catamarans have been identified for the service with four vessels, of varying holding capabilities, deemed necessary to operate on the service.