siparia regional corporation

Transcription

SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION SIPARIA FINAL DRAFT MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN REPORT – VOLUME I PALO SECO AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES LIMITED
Submitted by
All‐Inclusive Project Development Services Limited August 9, 2OIO i
CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION Page 1 1 1 2 2.0 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES 5 5 8 8 9 10 11 11 11 14 14 14 14 15 15 17 17 17 17 18 19 1.1 Background 1.2 Purpose 1.3 Methodology/Reports 2.1 2.3 2.4 Physical Characteristics and Location 2.2.1 Population 2.2.2 Employment 2.2.3 Households and Dwelling Unit Conditions 2.2.4 Community Organizations and Facilities Economic Activities 2.3.1 Commercial Business Activity 2.3.2 Industrial Activities Development Issues 2.4.1 Accessibility 2.4.2 Infrastructure and Community Facilities 2.4.3 Problems impacting directly on people 2.4.4 Employment 2.4.5 Conclusions 3.0 PLANNING AND POLICY CONTEXT 3.1 Planning Context 3.1.1 National Physical Planning Context 3.1.2 Regional Physical Planning Context 3.1.3 Local Area Planning Context 3.2 Policy Context – Goals and Objectives ii
4.0 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 21 General Development Strategy The Regional Development Strategy 4.2.1 The Regional Corporation’s Concerns Programmes and Projects 4.2.2 Generic Policies and Programmes 4.4.3 Strategic Projects 21 23 23 25 33 5.0 DRAFT PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION 34 4.1 4.2 5.1 Framework for Planning and Planning Proposals by Sub‐region and Development Zones 5.1.1 The Sub‐regions 5.1.2 Description of Siparia East Sub‐region and Development Zone Planning Proposals 5.1.3 Description of Siparia West (Coastal) Sub‐region and Development Zone Planning Proposals 37 49 URBAN DESIGN 60 60 60 70 71 71 73 75 76 77 34 34 6.0 7.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 Character of the Region 6.1.1 Landscape Character of the Region Rural/Urban Balance Predominant Character of Urban Places Urban Design‐related Issues and Planning Responses Places in Need of Urban Design Improvements; Frameworks and Briefs Examples of good Urban Design 6.6.1 More Examples of good Urban Design Place Check IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT 83 7.1 7.2 7.3 83 89 91 93 Implementation Summary of Programmes and Projects Environmental Policy and Management 7.3.1 Summary Recommendations iii
Page CHARTS CHART 1 Work Plan Outline 4 CHART 2 Employment % 8 CHART 3 Approach to Development Planning and Action 16 CHART 4A Strategic Goals – National and Siparia Region 19 CHART 4B Strategic Objectives – National and Siparia Region 20 CHART 5 Development Concepts 21 CHART 6 Techniques fro Stimulating Business Development 26 CHART 7 Guidelines for Development of a Sustainable Tourism Industry 27 TABLES TABLE 1: Siparia Sub‐regions, Development Zones and Communities 35 TABLE 2: Natural and Environmental Assets ‐ Siparia East Sub‐region 38 TABLE 3: Road Network – Siparia East Sub‐region 39 TABLE 4: Road Network – Siparia West (Coastal) Sub‐region 49 TABLE 5: Natural and Environmental Assets ‐Siparia West (Coastal) Sub‐region 51 TABLE 6: Strategic Objectives/Impacts/Implementation Requirements 62 FIGURES Figure 1 – Location Map 6 Figure 2 – Land Use (Existing) 7 Figure 3 – Communities and Facilities 36 Figure 4 – Development Zones and Road Network 40 Figure 5 – Development Proposals: La Brea/Fyzabad 50 Figure 6 – Siparia Town Centre: Main Features 43 59 Figure 7 ‐ Tourism and Environmental Assets Figure 8 ‐ Buffer Zones around Wetlands and Wildlife Sanctuaries 65 Figure 9 ‐ Rivers and Water Catchment Areas 66 Figure 10 ‐ Beaches and Turtle Nesting Areas 67 Figure 11 ‐ Quarries 68 Figure 12 ‐ Siparia Town Centre Main Features 74 Figure 13 ‐ Pedestrian Environment Concept 75 Figure 14 – Bus Transit Hub Concept 75 APPENDIX 1: Details of Development Concepts 97 APPENDIX 2: SWOT ANALYSIS 99 References and Endnotes 101 iv
VOLUME II ‐ Under Separate Cover Inception Report Situation Report 1 Situation Report 2 Report on Consultation Process TR1 Socio‐economic Characteristics of the Siparia Region TR2 Economic Development Proposals, Siparia TR3 Traffic and Transportation Policy and Planning TR4 Environmental Report TR5 Assessment of Infrastructure and Utilities, Siparia Region ACRONYNS
SRC MoLG MALMR TCPD PSAEL RDC NEC Petrotrin LATT LABIDCO APDSL NPDP CSO SIDC Siparia Regional Corporation Ministry of Local Government Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources Town and Country Planning Division Palo Seco Agricultural Enterprises Limited Rural Development Company National Energy Corporation Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Lake Asphalt of Trinidad and Tobago Limited La Brea Industrial Development Company All‐Inclusive Project Development Services Limited National Physical Development Plan (approved in 1984) Central Statistical Office Seafood Industry Development Company v
SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
FINAL DRAFT MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background The Siparia Municipal Development Plan (“the Plan”) is being prepared under a contract dated December 8, 2008 between Palo Seco Agricultural Enterprise Limited (PSAEL) acting on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) and All‐Inclusive Project Development Services Limited (APDSL). 1.2 Purpose The Terms of Reference of the consulting services require APDSL “to assist the Siparia Regional Corporation in the preparation of its Draft Municipal Development Plan”. The Plan is expected to articulate Vision 2020i and the National Spatial Strategyii and contain strategic policies and proposals reflecting the Corporation’s aspirations and objectives for development of its region as well as those of residents of the region, the business community and agencies with responsibility for various functions and operations. Although regional in scope, the Plan will be the strategic planning framework for the production of local area plans and deal with local issues, proposals and projects designed to benefit the region. It will be a tool for the Regional Corporation in carrying out its development management functions, such as: • managing its development programmes and projects • coordinating the actions of other agencies operating in the region, and • assessing and controlling development being undertaken by private individuals It will also provide the guidelines for new investment decisions and individual development projects by the private sector. The Final Draft Siparia Municipal Development Plan is presented in two volumes: Volume I – The Development Report; this is a comprehensive but concise presentation of the conclusions drawn from the planning study and the policies, strategies and proposals considered appropriate for its development. Volume II – the reports submitted previously and the supporting technical reports detailed in the next section. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 1 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
1.3 Methodology/Reports The methodology followed in the preparation of the plan is summarized in the Work Plan in Chart 1 which also shows the progress to‐date. Volume II contains the following reports: • Inception Report • Situation Report 1 • Situation Report 2 • Report on the Consultation Programme which includes the report on the Visioning exercise conducted among the regional stakeholders was prepared by the independent consultant Tracy Wilson. • Five reports elaborating in more detail the supporting technical data. These are: TR 1 – Socio‐economic Characteristics of the Region TR 2 – Economic Development Proposals TR 3 ‐ Traffic and Transportation Policy and Planning TR 4 – Environmental Report TR 5 – Infrastructure Assessment Report The Inception Report confirmed the details of the planning exercise including the programme of work, the specific steps in plan preparation and the consulting team. Situation Report 1 dealt with the survey and analysis of the region and culminated in the preliminary identification of two development scenarios, one based on the concept of development rationalization and the other on the concept of strong intervention to drive development. Situation Report 2 contained the report on the stakeholder consultation on the scenarios and a statement on the Regional Corporation’s development preferences. The exercise of Visioning for the region conducted with a wide cross‐section of public stakeholders and official agencies contributed to the identification of the concerns and issues in the region from the perspective of the people of the region and the articulation of their hopes and aspirations for the future of the region. The remainder of this report is organized as follows – In Section 2.0 the characteristics of the region are described and the main development issues emerging from the survey and analysis presented. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 2 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
In Section 3.0 the planning and policy context for the development plan is discussed. Section 4.0 presents a discussion on the development strategy considered appropriate for this region incorporating the conclusions from discussions with the Siparia Regional Corporation and the statement on their development strategy and preferences. Section 5 contains the draft plan for development of the region. Section 6 is the urban design report. Section 7 presents the recommendations on implementation and management of the plan. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 3 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
CHART 1 WORK PLAN OUTLINE (With consultation process highlighted) START UP OF PROJECT CONSULTATION PROCESS DATA COLLECTION
ANALYSIS
VISIONING (i) GENERATION OF DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS CONSULTATION (ii) EVALUATION
EVALUATION
DRAFT REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
(meetings, presentations, discussions) Document Review Feedback Loop STAKEHOLDER/CLIENT REVIEW & FEEDBACK PREPARATION FINAL DRAFT MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN KEY: Consultation to continue beyond completion of final draft plan
Item completed Item in progress
Item not started
APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 4 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
2.0 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES In sub‐sections 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3, the characteristics of the region are presented under three headings: physical characteristics, socioeconomic characteristics and economic activities. Out of the survey and analysis of these characteristics development issues were identified and described in sub‐section 2.4. 2.1 Physical Characteristics and Location The Siparia Regional Corporation area (“Siparia Region”) is just over 51,000 hectares in size and ranks sixth among the corporate areas in the country. It is a region with a mixture of land uses – settlements of various sizes, on‐shore areas and bases for off‐shore oil production, ports, industrial areas, fishing centres, forests, swamps, agriculture and numerous beaches stretching along the 100km coastline of southwest Trinidad from Godineau River to Quinam Bay. Its western extremity is Icacos Point on the Serpents Mouth channel and it lies between the waters of the Gulf of Paria and the Columbus Channel. Its eastern boundary is coterminous with the Penal Debe Regional Corporation area boundary. There are sixty‐two (62) communities in this region, three of them shared with the adjacent Point Fortin Municipal Corporation region and three with Penal Debe Regional Corporation. The population of 82,000 persons is 6.5% of the country’s population and places the region in seventh place among the corporation areas, but only eleventh place in density of population with 1.6 persons per hectare, only two‐thirds of the Trinidad average. This low overall density is due largely to the extensive areas of forests, swamps and oil‐production lands in the region with virtually no resident population. The Siparia region depends on San Fernando, the regional capital for higher order regional services and on Port of Spain for national governmental and commercial services. The town of Siparia is the administrative capital of the region and its main service centre. San Fernando is 21km by road from Siparia and Port of Spain is 79km away. Figure 1 Figure 2 illustrates the existing land uses in the Siparia Region. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 5 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
2.2 Socio‐economic Characteristics The detailed report on the socioeconomic characteristics is presented in Volume II ‐ Technical Report TR 1: Socio‐economic Characteristics of the Siparia Region. A summary is included below of the key factors namely population, employment, households and dwelling units, social conditions and community organization. 2.2.1 Population The Census 2000 population of Siparia was just under 82,000, the current population in Siparia is estimated at 88,600 and may increase to about 100,000 by 2020. Estimates are based on the projected national average growth rate of 1% per annum. The most significant demographic factors in the Siparia region, as for Trinidad and Tobago, are the population deficit mainly in the most productive age groups and a dependency ratio of 48% that is increasing and the resultant increase in the portion of the population in the older age groups. Migration has been and will continue to be a significant component of population growth in this region since it relates to lifestyle factors which remain stable over long periods. Internal migration was consistently high, largely because people sought opportunities elsewhere due to the decline in the regional economy which depended on oil, a depleting resource that has not been replaced by any other significant economic activity. Returning retirees from overseas and other former residents may migrate back to the region in sufficient numbers to generate a significant niche housing demand. 2.2.2 Employment The distribution of employment by specific occupations in Siparia in 2006 is shown in the Chart 2. It is noted that professionals and technicians, who drive the economy of the region make up a small percentage of the workforce. Similarly the small numbers in primary occupations (agriculture, forestry and fisheries) suggest some scope for expansion of these primary activities perhaps on a more scientific basis than traditional production. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 8 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
CHART 2 Siparia Employment [%]
Elementary Occupations
0% 0%
9% 5%
11%
Primary Occupa
(agriculture, fo
fisheries)
Craft & related
workers
24%
Service Worker
12%
18%
21%
Plant & Machin
workers
Clerks
2.2.3 Households and Dwelling Unit Conditions The household and dwelling unit conditions in the Siparia region tend to fall somewhat below the standards for the country as a whole, as shown in the highlights below: I Siparia has a marginally higher average household size than Trinidad as a whole (3.65 as against 3.64). ii. There is a noticeably lower owner‐occupation percentage in Siparia than for the country overall and almost twice as many squatters. iii. Water supply is deficient in Siparia and the piped water supply is irregular necessitating storage by residents as shown by the number of household with water storage tanks. iv. The quality of the housing stock in Siparia falls below the national level accounted for by the fact that many more residences are constructed of wood or wood and concrete than in Trinidad and Tobago overall. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 9 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
v. Fewer dwellings are connected to a central sewer system in Siparia than in the country overall and there is a much higher level of septic tank and latrine usage in the Siparia region. In Siparia, 87% of dwellings have electricity compared to 91% in Trinidad and Tobago overall. vi. The percentage of households in Siparia with motor vehicles was 35% somewhat lower than the national figure of 42%. 2.2.4 Social Conditions and Community Organization 2.2.4.1 Poverty Poverty is an issue that must be addressed in the development plan. The former St. Patrick County (of which the Siparia region is approximately 70%) included a far larger share of the indigent and poor than represented by its share of population. Poverty is a complex phenomenon caused by problems in many facets of living: home rearing, household conditions, early childhood education, primary and secondary schooling, youth motivation, skills training opportunities, small business development opportunities and support systems, and the general economic conditions in the local region, and as such, it cannot be successfully addressed in a piecemeal fashion but requires comprehensive nation‐wide approaches with specific targeting of the vulnerable population. However, heavy industrialization as proposed if accompanied by urbanization, better public services, commerce and residential accommodation can contribute to change in the situation in the Siparia region. A factor of concern is the incidence of poverty among persons in the older age groups, especially since the numbers in these groups are tending to increase disproportionately. 2.2.4.2 Community Organization and Facilities Social and community organizations constitute a civil‐society resource that can make a vital contribution to poverty alleviation and regional development generally. In Siparia there are 52 such organizations – 11 Non–Governmental Organizations (NGOs), 48 Community‐Based Organizations (CBOs) and 3 Faith‐based bodies embracing matters such as community development, health and disabilities, voluntary activity, the aging population, youth and education. The existing social and community facilities in the various development zones in the region were assessed against the standards established for population groupings by the Town and Country Planning Division. Quantitatively, there are no major deficiencies in the facilities required for the various population groupings, however shortcomings exist in the quality of facilities. The position of Siparia as the established administrative centre of the region is confirmed by the range of higher order facilities existing there, such as the Regional APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 10 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Corporation Headoffice, Police Station, Health Clinic, Magistrate’s Court, Fire Station and a stadium‐type recreational facility. It also has the largest number of primary schools of any community and three secondary schools. Its commercial importance is confirmed by the presence of four banks and an insurance office. 2.3 Economic Activities The existing key economic activities were reviewed and analyzed and reported in detail in Volume II ‐ Technical Report TR 1: Socio‐economic Characteristics of the Siparia Region. Summaries of the main sectors are found in the paragraphs below. 2.3.1 Commercial Business Activities The total number of businesses in Trinidad in 2006 was 26,484 ‐ Port of Spain has the largest percentage (20%) while the Siparia region accounts for 4%. This is not a substantial amount of commercial business activity and moreover it is restricted to consumer‐type distribution and personal services which are not high‐value activity and do not employ many persons. Based on the national distribution, half of the businesses would be classified as micro‐enterprises (5 employees or less) and almost one‐third would be one‐person activities. The people of the region have high expectation of direct jobs on the industrial estates but just as important will be the spin‐off opportunities in small business development. The planning strategy must address the provision of appropriate business services in the short‐
term and in the longer‐term more extensive entrepreneurial and human resource development. The stakeholders have called for this, recognizing that developing the local human resources and preparing persons in the region for business would minimize the tendency for outside firms to move in and capitalize on the business opportunities, thus posing a threat to their livelihoods in the future. 2.3.2 Industrial Activities There is an established industrial sector in the Siparia region comprising the three major companies, described below. Apart from direct contributions through jobs and spending on goods and services, the companies contribute to community life, perhaps not as much as before or in the same paternalistic manner, but in more productive partnerships arrangements. The companies are: • Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Petrotrin) • Lake Asphalt of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (LATT) • National Energy Corporation (NEC) APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 11 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
2.3.2.1 Petrotrin Petrotrin is an integrated oil and gas company, wholly owned by the Government. Its principal activities are the exploration for, development of and production of hydrocarbons and the manufacturing and marketing of petroleum products. The company operates in land and marine acreages across the southern half of Trinidad with offshore operations at Galeota in the southeast and in the Gulf of Paria. As a major partner and building block in the quest for sustainable national development, the company has sought to develop its people through employee training and education in approved programmes, educational assistance and scholarships as well as leadership development programmes to ensure a pool of leadership and managerial talent to drive its operations. Additional support for local business is through its local content policy, with over 2,800 registered suppliers and over 700 registered contractors including ‘community contractors’ for small jobs. Petrotrin’s farm‐out programme which concentrates on land‐based production remains part of its strategy for increasing oil production through small independent operators producing small quantities of oil and gas from stripper wells that have become uneconomical for Petrotrin. The economic activity generated in the Siparia region is important to the small communities where such activities take place. Photo 3.1 Petrotrin’s Office Photo 3.2 Petrotrin’s Operations Photo 3.3 Farmout Operation APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 12 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
2.3.2.2 Lake Asphalt of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (LATT) LATT is a state‐owned enterprise which manufactures asphalt products from the raw material extracted from the Pitch Lake, an economic natural resource as well as a tourist attraction. It is perhaps the largest natural asphalt deposit in the world, approximately 100 acres (41 hectares) in area and 250 feet (76 meters) deep in the center. At the current rate of extraction of 180 tons of pitch per day, the lake is estimated to have renewable reserves for the next four hundred (400) years. The state‐of‐the‐art pelletizing plant (commissioned in 2005) which transformed the pitch into small, ‘pea’ shaped pellets, brought to fruition several years of sustained research to find a new and more user friendly form of product, packaging and delivery. Apart from its in‐house research and development, the company has established long‐standing relationships with some of the foremost experts in asphalt technology locally, regionally and internationally and supplies a variety of asphalt products marketed worldwide through a network of joint ventures, alliances and distributors in Africa, Europe, Caribbean, China, Germany, South Korea, United Kingdom, and North America. Its historic presence in and long‐term association with the La Brea community coupled with its dynamic new international outlook firmly establish LATT as another major partner and significant building block in sustainable national development and in the regional community. 2.3.2.3 National Energy Corporation (NEC) The NEC, the youngest of the companies, carries lead responsibility for the heavy industrial development programme concentrated at La Brea and Union Estates and Brighton Port. This programme is the main driver for new development in the La Brea zone. Originally projected was a programme of six plants over the period 2006‐2013 in the Union Industrial Estate and continued construction of support and service activities at La Brea Industrial Estate and Brighton Port. The timing of implementation has slipped and it is uncertain whether all of the projected development will be realized. However, whenever the development takes place, there will be the opportunity provided by the surge in construction and new plant operations to pursue a deliberate development strategy and implementation mechanism embracing the other economic sectors, as well as housing, social facilities, transportation and environmental management issues to ensure sustainability in development of this area and the sub‐region. The Point Lisas Industrial Estate and Port is a ready model of heavy industrial development. An indication of the ultimate potential for heavy industry in the La Brea area was given by the originally projected employment figures. At the construction stage, employment was APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 13 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
projected to average 4,687 persons per year over the eight year period with a peak of 9,500. The operation of the proposed plants would generate an average of 1425 direct jobs and a further 1,425 indirect jobs. No revised projections are available, either of numbers or timing. However, if only partially realized, the introduction of this large‐scale element into the La Brea environment will create positive opportunities. However these will be realized and sustained only if industrial development is placed within a comprehensively planned development framework including all elements: housing, community and town centre facilities, social and community components and small‐scale industrial and non‐industrial economic activity and if people have a positive attitude towards the development plans and are involved in the planning and implementation. 2.4 Development Issues The outputs from the survey and analysis of existing characteristics and conditions in the region were the development issues and needs described below under the following headings: ‐ Accessibility ‐ Infrastructure (roads, water, drainage, waste water and utilities) and Community Facilities ‐ Problems impacting directly on people ‐ Employment 2.4.1 Accessibility •
Need to upgrade intra‐regional access and inter‐regional connections: – Improve connections to main urban centres – San Fernando and Port of Spain, Piarco Airport, Port of Spain and Point Lisas Ports – Facilitate the movement of people, produce, goods and equipment into, out of and within the region by solving transportation and traffic problems – Attract investment and facilitate business development 2.4.2 Infrastructure and Community Facilities •
•
Consolidate, rationalize and upgrade infrastructure, social and community facilities to deal with: – Deficiencies and gaps in roads, water supply, drainage, utility services and community facilities – Land use conflicts and traffic congestion especially in built‐up areas and commercial centres Provide infrastructure systems to support new development and for the health, safety and convenience of the population. 2.4.3 Problems impacting directly on people •
Environmental degradation APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 14 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
•
•
Congestion in centres having implications for: – Pedestrian comfort and safety – Free flow and parking of vehicles – Expansion of business activity Deficiencies/concerns in social development programmes, including: – Lack of access for higher‐level educational advancement and quality healthcare – Unemployment and poverty alleviation – Housing conditions, needs and demands 2.4.4 Employment •
Committed industrial development at Union and La Brea Estate and Port – will provide: – Limited number of jobs in specialised industries and support activities – Jobs in construction in the short‐term – Beyond this additional employment needs have to be met through broad‐
based economic development utilizing the natural and cultural resource base of the region, in the following sectors agriculture, fishing, nature, heritage and cultural tourism, recreation/entertainment 2.4.5 Conclusions Siparia is a “lagging” region evidenced visually in the current state of the built and natural environment and assessed against all of the usual physical, social and economic indicators and criteria of development. It falls below the average in nearly all indices and the challenge faced in formulating the draft plan is indicated by the following conclusions: i)
there has been a long‐term decline in population growth associated largely with migration out of the region due to the decline in economic activity and the lack of employment opportunities ii)
poverty levels are high iii)
the condition of housing, infrastructure, utility services and social and community facilities do not fully meet accepted standards of provision for related population groupings iv)
the progressive rationalization of the oil industry has resulted in a decline in employment and in economic and social activities that depended on it v)
there has been a decline in farming activity accompanied by fragmentation of agricultural parcels and change‐of‐use of lands out of agriculture vi)
the fishing industry has stagnated vii)
business is not vibrant, the rate of commercial building activity has been sluggish and the revival of industrial activity has not materialized fully APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 15 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
The course of development in the Siparia region can be described as unsustainable due to an over‐dependence on the oil industry without parallel broad‐based development in other sectors. The region did not take advantage of the oil‐boom to develop a broader economic base, so that employment and general economic activity were not sustained when change came in the oil industry due to rationalization of production and administration, a shift in emphasis from on‐shore to off‐shore production and a reduction in contracting out of work. There is an opportunity to apply lessons from the past to plan and establish a more sustainable development path emphasizing sustainable livelihoods based primarily on the natural and man‐made assets and on activities that can be attracted to the region by well‐
developed human capital. The Siparia Region is faced with an over‐arching development challenge and requires the acceptance of three principles as the appropriate foundation to base the approach to development planning and action. Approach to Development Planning and Action CHART 3 THE CHALLENGE: TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Three essential aspects of settlement development and community living conditions must be addressed: * Social & living conditions * Livelihoods * Natural and man‐made environments ◙ THE DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES: •
•
•
Development will not be sustainable if there is continued reliance on the energy sector alone The economic base of the region must be diversified and strengthened by development of the natural environmental, historical, archeological, heritage and cultural resources and by tapping into the emotional attachments of the region’s people The Point Fortin highway will facilitate development, but the stimulation of development in the region should not wait on the highway APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 16 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
3.0 PLANNING AND POLICY CONTEXT 3.1 Planning Context The history of planning for development of this region revealed a high degree of consistency over time in the planning approaches and contents of plans and, in particular, in the articulation of development goals, objectives, policies and strategies. In this sense the planning context has remained stable over time. 3.1.1 National Physical Planning Context The National Physical Development Plan (NPDP)iii approved in 1984 proposed a broad strategy for development and dealt with issues such as population distribution, settlement hierarchy and structure, and approaches to regional development. The intention was to redress existing and emergent geographic inequalities in the distribution of social and economic activities and rationalize governmental intervention in the interest of social objectives. The preferred strategy was labeled ‘dispersed concentration’. The intention was to capitalize on the vibrancy of the leading centres and regions to advance social and economic activity and benefits while at the same time dispersing growth, through government action and incentives, to smaller centres of activity in less‐endowed regions. Siparia was earmarked as one such region for development intervention reinforced further by the ‘growth pole’ strategy for the La Brea zone. 3.1.2 Regional Physical Planning Context The document “Planning for Development: The South West Region”iv prepared in 1974 was a perspective planning framework in which broad‐based strategic regional goals were set out with the intention that they would be elaborated in more detailed objectives to guide local area planning and project implementation. The regional goals, quoted in the document, were: (a) To revitalize the region’s economic life by exploiting the potentials in a manner consistent with national policy (b) To reduce the level of unemployment (c) To raise the level of rural real incomes (d) To minimize the loss of potentially productive agricultural land to other uses APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 17 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
(e) To provide essential water, sewerage and transportation facilities at low cost (f) To provide the best possible accessibility for the movement of people and goods to, from and within the region (g) To provide adequate public, social and recreational facilities (h) To improve the quality and availability of housing accommodation (i) To develop a pattern of identifiable urban and rural communities functionally related to one another and to the needs of people (j) To preserve the unique attributes of the regional landscape The expectation was that the South West Region would play a more positive role in national development, since “there were sufficient resources and potentials to provide the basis for an economically and socially viable region and to prevent decline into a depressed backwater”. The thinking behind the foregoing extracts is consistent with the issues and challenges encountered in the current planning exercise. Unfortunately, the expectation was not realized as the planning effort was not matched by achievements in implementation of the plans due in part to the vital omission of the funding component of the plans and disconnection between the plans and the mechanism for implementation. 3.1.3 Local Area Planning Local area planning reports by consultants for the National Energy Corporation (NEC) dealt with: identification of suitable sites for the establishment of heavy industrial estates in the La Brea district design of the selected estates at La Brea and Union impact of the industrial estate development on the wider region Development has commenced on the industrial estates, however recommendations made on the broader aspects of development have not been pursued. In the most recent report, La Brea Redevelopment Plan, general development proposals covering housing and other urban facilities were made. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 18 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
3.2 Policy Context ‐ Goals and Objectives A stronger policy context has been established in the current planning process by adopting Vision 2020 as the philosophic basis and policy for national goals and objectives and by including extensive stakeholder participation starting with a visioning exercise out of which the vision statements in section 4.1 emerged. The regional goals and objectives, the essential underpinnings of the plan, must be consistent with those at the national level and also draw on what is considered best practice in planning for the development of a region like Siparia. The elaboration from the national strategic goals and objectives, taken from the National Spatial Strategy document, into the regional goals and objectives for Siparia is shown in the Charts 4A and 4B below. CHART 4A
STRATEGIC GOALS NATIONAL STRATEGIC GOALS To create a network of sustainable communities To facilitate and ensure balanced regional development To stimulate economic vitality and diversity To achieve judicious environmental management To undertake hazard assessment and promote vulnerability reduction SIPARIA REGION ‐ STRATEGIC GOALS Siparia must become a region of sustainable communities, by achieving the following goals: ¾ Sustainable physical and social infrastructure ¾ Sustainable living and natural environmental conditions ¾ Sustainable livelihoods – commercial and industrial employment, small business, development of natural assets, sports, arts and cultural activities as economic sectors ¾ Sustainable human development, through education and training APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 19 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES CHART 4B
♦ NATIONAL STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES ♦ Balanced regional development ♦ Sustainable community development ♦ Connectivity between and within settlements ♦ Preservation of natural and cultural heritage ♦ Economic vitality ♦ Productive agriculture ♦
♦
♦
♦
Environmental protection Vulnerability protection Hazard Mitigation Natural Resource Conservation/Management ♦ Development/location choices based on land suitability and capability SIPARIA REGION ‐ STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES The strategic objectives to be achieved through generic policies, programmes and area specific development projects include: ⇒ 1 Equitable distribution and efficient provision of social development facilities ⇒ 2 Attraction of new investments and business enterprises to generate worthwhile and secure jobs and achieve more balanced regional development ⇒ 3 Environmental sustainability in project development and implementation ⇒ 4 Enhancement of the liveability, identity and image of the Region in terms of functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal. ⇒ 5 Maintenance/Upgrade of physical infrastructure facilities and services ⇒ 6 Improvements in the Region’s accessibility and inter‐connectivity. ⇒ 7 Promotion of community empowerment, participatory governance and local government autonomy in decision‐making APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 20 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
4.0 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR SIPARIA REGION 4.1 General Concepts for Development Two concepts were defined as guides for the development of the Siparia region. These are set out in Chart 5 and detailed in Appendix 1. The concepts were discussed with the Regional Corporation within the context of the history of development in the region, the challenging issues being experienced and the constraints on action at the regional level. It was agreed that the appropriate planning approach was to assume a continuum of development action starting with plans and projects based on a “rationalisation concept” and leading progressively to more substantial long‐term planned action based on a strong “intervention concept” and stimulated by incentives for growth.
CHART 5 DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS Development Rationalisation Concept: Objective: to guide and rationalize prevailing development trends • The focus will be on improvements in social facilities and infrastructure services. • There will be no significant economic growth as the prevailing path of development will not change. • Successful pursuit of this scenario will stabilise and improve economic and social life in the short‐term and lead progressively, but slowly, toward higher levels of development. Development Intervention Concept Objective: to strengthen and diversify the economic base so as to increase employment choices beyond investment in infrastructure and the already committed industrial activities. • Requires strong intervention policies and strategies (driven by outside forces) to open up the economy and promote development in all sectors. • Actions to strengthen and diversify the economic base, while enhancing the social and physical infrastructure, human resources and the quality of the natural and physical environment. Note: Full details of the above concepts are included in Appendix 1 APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 21 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
The Regional Corporation representatives concluded that the concept of a development continuum represented the best approach within the current context of local governance. However, they noted that progress along the continuum will require significant changes to the administrative structure of the corporation and a more integrated system of budgeting and resource allocation in order to show results in the delivery of development projects. A common thread ran through the thinking of the Corporation and many of the participants in the visioning exercise who reached beyond the immediate needs for proper maintenance, stop‐gap measures, short‐term improvements and better day‐to‐
day management and focused on the fundamental prerequisites for long‐term development. Key among these were the need for broader‐based economic development in the region, cohesion in planning and action among stakeholders, better education and training of the human resources, greater environmental awareness and a reformed governance structure that gave more autonomy and self‐sufficiency to the region. The visioning exercise did not produce a single statement of a Vision of the Future for the region, but there were a number of common elements in the various statements and a slogan that seemed to encapsulate the general sentiments of the participants. The most significant statements were the following: o “the region of Siparia having safe, united and productive communities o “environmentally healthy communities in which the burgesses’ social and economic needs are satisfied in a sustainable manner o “the development of modern infrastructure and, o “a participatory decision‐making process in which all areas of the region and all its peoples are treated fairly and humanely in the distribution of the municipality’s opportunities and resources”. The slogan which was proposed by one group envisaged Siparia as ‐ “One Community, One People, One Paradise – a safe and healthy community, making progress but ‘not at the expense of the environment’”. Interestingly a number of key words recurred in the statements of the stakeholders: SUSTAINABLE; SAFE/HEALTHY; UNITED/PARTICIPATORY; FAIRNESS/EQUITY/BALANCE; PRODUCTIVE/PROGRESSIVE; MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE; ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY; APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 22 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
This leads to the conclusion that the Regional Corporation and the people have a good shared understanding of their region and a sound perspective of its prospects and possibilities for development. This is further supported by the SWOT analysis summarized in the matrix of the region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Appendix 2 The required strong support to the people of the region in the realization of their vision can be provided through systematic implementation of this strategic regional plan and its elaboration in more detailed local area plans. 4.2 The Regional Development Strategy There are three dimensions of a development strategy that is specific to this region – i)
the Regional Corporation’s concerns, programmes and priority projects ii)
generic policies relevant to the resource endowment of the region, and iii)
strategic projects that will have region‐wide impact 4.2.1 Re (i) ‐ The Regional Corporation’s Concerns, Programmes and Projects A core aspect of the regional strategy must be derived from the expressed concerns, programmes and priority projects of the Regional Corporation. These are related to the strategic regional objectives outlined earlier and listed below as priorities having being outstanding for a very long time.
Objective: Provide for the equitable distribution and efficient provision of social development facilities. The Corporation priorities: • A new market for Siparia ‐ fully designed since 2004 and approved by T&CPD; no action has been taken to implement the project by the MLG. • Quarry Village ‐ no recreation ground despite repeated appeals reportedly extending over of period of some 50 years; the constraint is due to the fact that the Corporation does not own the land. Objective: Attract investment projects and business enterprises that will generate worthwhile and secure jobs. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 23 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
The Corporation priorities: • A long‐standing initiative of the Corporation is the development of visitor sites and attractions which has been inhibited by the fact that funding has been on a reducing scale. • Siparia fete which should be recognized as a national event; requests for recognition and support have been ignored resulting in seriously reducing its operations, benefits and impact. Objective: Maintenance and upgrading of physical infrastructure facilities and services. The Corporation priorities: • Region is ripe for the development of significant planned internal/domestic tourism initiatives rather than the relatively slow organic growth taking place and hindered by infrastructure deficiencies. Objective: Improve the Region’s accessibility and inter‐connectivity. The Corporation priorities: • The new highway to Point Fortin is a priority to provide easy highway access which is critical to the development of the region; • The roadway and bridge at Mosquito Creek needed urgent attention to deal with the persistent problem of interruptions in the use of this major route into the region caused by flooding and incursion of sea water. Objective: Promote community empowerment, participatory governance and local government autonomy in decision‐making. The Corporation concerns: • The utility agencies are not serving the region adequately; they seem to lack either the will or capacity or to recognize fully the needs of this region. • Sporting activities are crucial to the region but the responsibility for providing and maintaining facilities rests with the Sports Company which is perceived by the Corporation as not operating in the best interest of Siparia. • The MoLG must take a holistic view of development rather than the traditional ad hoc project‐by‐project approach. • Reafforestation activities were taking place, but the Corporation was bypassed in this vital exercise for the region’s sustainability • The control of Quinam Park and beach facilities should be placed within one authority instead of being split between two corporations and the Forestry Division. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 24 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
There was also a general concern which touched on the objective of balanced regional development. It was felt that the region remained underdeveloped in comparison with north Trinidad and particularly the capital city of Port of Spain, because it did not benefit adequately from the revenue generated from the region’s hydrocarbon resources and energy‐based activities. 4.2.2 Re (ii) ‐ Generic Policies and Programmes Other aspects of the strategy were selected from the generic policies and programmes for the development of economic sectors discussed in Technical Report TR2: Economic Development Proposals. The Siparia region has a diverse economic profile comprising: mining and industrial activities at La Brea and Brighton on the west coast, marine fishing mainly along the south west and south coasts, on‐shore oil production in the wider Palo Seco and Forest Reserve areas, off‐shore oil production and agricultural production dispersed throughout the central parts of the region. Future economic development activities in the Siparia region will be based principally on three strategic development planks: production of primary products, tourism, and small and medium size business development. These areas of activity were identified in discussions and consultations with the Regional Corporation as being those with the greatest potential for improving the economic well‐being of the region. Tourism and the primary sector of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, the two economic sectors which can be developed utilizing the resources of the region are summarised in this section, together with the programme for business development essential for success of the other sectors. Inclusion of these sectors in the plan is designed to address the development issues, to promote the growth of the economic base and lay the foundation for sustainable development. These sectors are national in scope, draw on policy prescriptions from Vision 2020 and can be applied in other regions. In the spatial components of the plan, the policies and programmes will be adapted to the specific requirements and resources of the various geographic sub‐regions and development zones. Business development is considered the most important area of activity because success in the other areas is dependent on the extent to which people who participate in the activities have the capability to operate in a business‐like manner. Regardless of the size and nature of the operation, appropriate business‐like methods are necessary. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 25 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
4.2.2.1 Business Development There is a low level of business formation in the region and the activities currently undertaken are not entrepreneurial but focused on the traditional retail and service sectors. The projected level of business activity shows that Siparia will decline over the period 2010 to 2030 in the number of business establishments, if the trend continues. Clearly there is a need to stimulate the start up of new businesses in the region. The trends in businesses by industry and economic activity for the period 2010 to 2030 indicate opportunities for broadening the business base away from mainly distribution activities to food and drink processing, wood and related products, miscellaneous manufacturing and tourism which activities can be fostered and nurtured through partnerships with the industrial business operations in the wider region. The critical requirement is for a coordinated system of delivery of the available business development and support services with facilitation from the servicing organizations, such as National Enterprise Development Company (NEDCO) and Business Development Company (BDC). A pivotal role must also be played by the Regional Corporation in guiding and mobilizing people and linking them with the services organizations. In fact the Corporation has a role to play in every step of the structured, integrated business development programme outlined in Chart 6. Comprehensive guidance on how the system of business development should operate is provided in the model in Report TR 2. CHART 6 TECHNIQUES FOR STUMULATING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 26 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
4.2.2.2 Tourism Sector Development Tourism planning and development have focused on creating business, conference and event tourism in Trinidad and the traditional activity in Tobago of seaside recreational tourism based on beaches. In the Siparia region there is much scope for developing the unexplored eco‐tourism and heritage/cultural and sports tourism potential. The guiding objective is stated in the Vision 2020 document ‐ that, by 2030, the sector will be contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP, through “job creation and increased revenues, driven by a uniquely differentiated, internationally competitive product, complemented by comprehensive, fully functional physical infrastructure, a modern competitive institutional framework and supported by the people of Trinidad and Tobago”. Guidelines from Vision 2020 are set out in Chart 7. CHART 7 GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM INDUSTRY Reference: Technical Report TR2, Volume II APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 27 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Within this general framework the specific approach for the Siparia region will be, initially, to promote domestic tourism and attract returning citizens, visiting friends and relatives and later on, to target foreign tourists. The acknowledged strategy for achieving such an objective is the development of visitor sites and attractions which represent the core of tourism activity in any region. There are many suitable sites in the Siparia Region associated with its history, cultural heritage and environmental assets which will be discussed in the next section of this report and in the development planning sections. Development of tourism products and the management of sites and attractions have to be approached systematically. A more detailed framework is shown graphically in Technical Report TR2. 4.2.2.3 Ecotourism, Cultural and Sports Tourism The Siparia Region is particularly well‐equipped with natural assets with considerable scope for developing ecotourism sites, facilities and ventures. Other potentials include culture and sports tourism, especially drawing on the legacy of sporting achievements in this region. Ecotourism An assessment of the environmental assets on which ecotourism activities can be developed indicated the presence of: five (5) forest reserves, four (4) wetlands, two (2) wildlife sanctuaries, eight (8) turtle nesting sites, migratory birds, prime fishing areas, rare plants and reptile species. The potentials for development of each type of asset on specific sites are set out later in Tables 2 and 5. The immediate requirements for developing accessible sites and attractions include: facilities upgrade, establishment of interpretation centres, incorporating a mix of attractions and specific sites within a particular area into clusters of attractions with added drawing power. Ecotourism activities are spelled out in detail in the development proposals for the zones in section 5.1.2. Cultural Tourism The development of cultural tourism relies on the creative talent of the people in a particular region. The creative economy constitutes a cluster of knowledge‐based economic activities making use of creative talent, techniques or technology to add value. Applications would be found in the historical/heritage attractions by having interpretive centres with appropriate features such as replicas of the original site, if restoration is not possible or undesirable, preserved artifacts, historical documentaries in the form of films and videos, literature about the site, interpretive performances by APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 28 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
artistes using historic dress, dance, music, drama and story‐telling to bring the historic period to life. There is a rich history in the Siparia region stretching back as far the pre‐Columbian era, evidenced by the archaeological finds in places such as, Banwari Trace in San Francique, an Amerindian burial ground in Erin and the site at St John’s Road, South Oropouche. The Amerindians also left a mark on the La Brea Pitch Lake because of the legend associated with the source of the inexhaustible supply of pitch, which they knew as piche. This legacy constitutes a tourism resource. The period of its history related directly to the petroleum resources found in the region and completely bound up with that industry has accorded the region the distinction of several ‘firsts’ in the industry, namely: • In 1857, the country's first well drilled by the Merrimac Company in the vicinity of the La Brea Pitch Lake to a total depth of 280 feet. • The nation's first commercial oil well was drilled at Aripero in 1866. • First commercial production began in 1908 • The first export shipment was made from Brighton, La Brea in 1910. La Brea, Fyzabad and Forest Reserve are settlements that came into existence and prospered because of this industry. The settlements were magnets for migrants from other parts of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean region attracted by the jobs in the oil industry. Domestic agricultural production to satisfy the demand generated for vegetables and other food crops at that time flourished alongside export agricultural production of sugar, coffee, cocoa and cotton in places like Erin, La Brea, Fyzabad and Cedros. The latter products came out of the estates owned by the Spanish and French settlers. The last piece in the cultural mosaic of the region comes via the waters of the Gulf of Paria from the South American continent through Venezuela. These more recent links were established through trade, fishing and cultural exchanges and have only been weakened because of the strictures of immigration and customs controls. The strong tradition in parang music is perhaps the best known survival of this connection. In Siparia Town, the combination of large numbers of Catholics and Hindus has created a unique cross‐cultural celebration associated with the La Divina Pastora statue. The Catholics honour the patron La Divina Pastora with a Mass and procession at Easter. This stems from developments during the Spanish era in the nineteenth century when a APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 29 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Spanish priest brought a statue of La Divina Pastora, patron saint of the Capuchin missions, from Venezuela to Siparia and installed it in the Catholic Church, claiming it had saved his life. From thence the church was named the Church of La Divina Pastora. Being copper‐coloured, of short stature and with long black hair, the statue was honoured among Hindus as Soparee Mai as it was associated with Kali the black Hindu deity and revered as a murti with healing powers. Starting during indentureship, Hindus hold an annual pilgrimage from Holy Thursday, making offerings of flowers, rice, money, olive oil and candles and the first cutting of a child’s hair is performed on the church’s grounds. Nowadays both groups and other Trinidadians converge on Siparia during the Easter season to pay homage. At the same time, a secular Siparia fete takes place with music from parang bands, steel bands and dee‐jays and food, pottery and other goods are peddled on the streets. Sports Tourism Worldwide, sports tourism is growing as an industry and sporting facilities are increasingly transformed into visitor attractions. The region has a history of producing top sports persons and the opportunity exists to upgrade facilities such as, Irwin Park in Siparia, the Palo Seco complex and the Sobo Recreation Ground for multi‐purpose use and including attractions such as sports halls of fame, video showings, training camps, sports lectures, conference facilities and restaurants. The achievements of local cricketers, footballers, athletes and other sports achievers can provide the stimulus to such an initiative. 4.2.2.4 Agricultural Production The areas of food production relevant to Siparia region are: traditional production of vegetables and root crops, greenhouse vegetable production, meat production from small livestock, downstream cocoa products, seasonings and spices, beekeeping, and fisheries and fish processing. The Strategic Plan for the Food and Beverage Industry (2005) suggested that critical intervention strategies were needed by Government to drive this kind of development. The Corporation’s role is to act as intermediary between the producers and the Ministries of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources, research, marketing and support agencies. The natural opportunities in Siparia can be strengthened through the training available from governmental and other support agencies. Traditional Food Crops The Corporation has an important role to play in mobilizing technical, financial and institutional assistance from the established agencies and channeling it to assist in the removal of constraints to increased production faced by growers APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 30 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Greenhouse Hydroponic Vegetable Production Additionally the option exists for non‐traditional methods such as greenhouse and hydroponic techniques. These operations are highly intensive requiring substantial labour and capital inputs but bring high‐value outputs. Hydroponic production, growing plants without soil, is a variation of the greenhouse method. There is an existing demonstration of hydroponics as a special business initiative by the Hydroponics Demonstration Unit at Reid Road, Point Fortin where the technology has been simplified and the techniques can be learnt. Because they occupy relatively small land and building areas they can be located within settlements. Meat Products from Small Livestock Apart from traditional livestock, the MALMR has been promoting the farming of wildlife, especially agouti which can be a very profitable small‐scale business. Expertise can also be tapped from the Wildlife Breeders and Farmers Association. The region also has ample land space away from residential settlements appropriate for pig production. Cocoa, Coffee and Citrus Products The rehabilitation of the cocoa estates in the Siparia region, as part of the Cocoa Revitalization Programme remains a good prospect especially because the programme is aimed at attracting young people to cocoa farming, with the objective of creating enterprises based on value‐added cocoa products. Recent examples of producers of cocoa products are the Brash Estate at Palo Seco, Lookoor Sudama in Fyzabad and Surendra Persad in Quarry Village. Seasonings and Spices As shown by the export to USA of cilantro (shadon beni) the production and processing of seasonings and spices remain a valid business opportunity. The region has a demonstration of the local and export potential for this kind of business in the pepper sauce production business run by Shirley Ramnath of Boodoosingh Trace, Rousillac. Agribusiness Opportunities Opportunities exist in the area of food processing, even at the cottage level, where production can be undertaken in home kitchens or small outlets. This includes health foods and convenience foods such as vegetable juices and frozen vegetables. Beekeeping A business currently pursued in the region is beekeeping for the production of honey, a premium product internationally. Awards won in 1999 and 2000 from the World Honey Competition are the evidence of its quality. It is a profitable small business APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 31 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
which requires the protection of the forests as the habitat for the bees to be sustained and expanded. 4.2.2.5 Fisheries and Fish Processing Fish and fish processing is one of the seven major areas of focus by the Government which can be promoted in the Siparia region. The Seafood Industry Development Company (SIDC) which has been focusing on working with fishing communities with the ultimate objective of the consolidation of coastal communities that, through economic diversification, become resilient and self‐reliant with improved quality of life and living standards that would discourage migration away from these communities. Fishing communities are found at Otaheite, La Brea, the Cedros Peninsula and Erin. Fisheries Sector Strategic Plan The Strategic Plan (2005) noted that a well‐established fish processing sector, a lucrative tourism–linked and recreational or game fishing sector coupled with promising offshore resources is a formula for focused business development within the industry. In addition, aquaculture or fish farming geared mainly for the export market and the inshore resource that has been the mainstay of the industry can remain the supplier to the local and regional markets. Sustainable management of the resource is a necessary condition especially in the face of challenges from activities such as dredging and reclamation associated with industrial operations. 4.2.2.6 Forestry The Regional Development Report of the Vision 2020 Strategic Plan asserted that national parks and environmentally sensitive areas can bring benefits directly and indirectly to communities, but to realize any benefits, policy decisions are necessary to ensure that there will be no net loss of remaining forests, wetlands or arable land. Statistics suggest that the opportunity for establishing national parks and protected areas to provide ecological, recreational and other support services is rapidly being lost because there is no legally constituted system of national parks or protected areas and forest management and wildlife management programmes are inadequately resourced and remain rudimentary. Within the region opportunities exist for the sustainable use of natural forested areas within communities for recreation, ecotourism, handicraft and traditional medicines. However measures must be taken to protect the forest resources from encroachment and uncontrolled removal such as occurred in the clearing of the land at Union estate. Another activity associated with forested lands is floriculture especially the growing of anthurium lilies and orchids which have export potential. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 32 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
4.2.3 Re (iii) ‐ Strategic Projects Commitments have been made on two projects which can be regarded as strategic as they will have region‐wide impact and stimulate development throughout the region. The full impact of these projects must be worked out in local areas plans which will follow this regional planning level. The projects are: • The Point Fortin Highway which will improve significantly the access to and interconnections within the region • The La Brea and Union industrial estates which will bring direct and indirect job opportunities to the region. On Figure 4 the route of the highway, linking Golconda (near San Fernando) and Point Fortin with interchanges at Siparia, Fyzabad and La Brea is shown. Development will be stimulated in the areas around interchanges and where the new road connections are opened up. This development must be planned to ensure that it will achieve acceptable standards of quality and bring the expected benefits. The Siparia interchange connects to the Siparia Road between Thick Village and the Town of Siparia. Delhi Road and Mon Desir Road link to the Fyzabad interchange improving accessibility to Grant’s Road, Rousillac and Sobo and the La Brea connector links to the new La Brea roundabout and provides easy access to the industrial estates and the existing settlements. The connector road to St Mary’s Junction linking to the South Trunk Road is an alternative access into the region from San Fernando and also serves as an alternative route between St Mary’s Junction and Fyzabad. As a matter of priority, a project should be started to prepare land use and road improvement plans in anticipation of these impacts. The figure also shows the industrial estates at La Brea and Union. The projected heavy industrial activities will provide direct jobs, generate demand for a variety of services and create opportunities for jobs in downstream and related activities throughout the region. Also of strategic importance to the general upgrading of the quality of life in the region will be the programmes undertaken for the comprehensive redevelopment and expansion of the key town centres as the focal points for region‐wide activities, such as, festivals and anniversary celebrations in Siparia, Fyzabad and Cedros, regional sporting events at Irwin Park, Palo Seco Complex and the Sobo Recreation Ground and new facilities such as, the central area bus transit facilities for regional public transportation. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 33 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
5.0 DRAFT PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION 5.1 Framework for Planning and Planning Proposals The planning framework consisting of development zones and sub‐regions recognizes the relevance of the physical setting of the region and the inherent spatial dimension to all development and provides a more manageable basis for treating with the local level and area specific development planning issues, such as: the requirements for sustainability in the provision of housing, community facilities and jobs in relation to population spatial co‐ordination of the infrastructure and other utility service components to rationalize land use and eliminate conflicts land use planning strategies to reduce environmental vulnerability and deal with the issues of congestion, drainage and flooding, coastal erosion, hillside development, land degradation from industry, climate change and natural and man‐made hazards identification of development opportunities, especially employment generation spatial implications of the development of large‐scale new land uses and facilities such as, industrial estates, ports, electricity power stations and dams. 5.1.1 The Communities, Development Zones and Sub‐regions
The communities are the geographic units used by the Central Statistical Office for collection and recording of data. Similarities in geographic characteristics and close functional relationships between the communities were considered in defining seven development zones and these were further grouped into two sub‐regions: ♦ Siparia East Sub‐region with four development zones ♦ Siparia West (Coastal) Sub‐region with three development zones The summary in Tabe 1 provides a complete description of the geographic units that
make up the planning framework.
Figure 3 on page 36 shows the communities and illustrates graphically the distribution
social and community facilities. Figure 4 on pages 40 shows the development zones and
illustrates the main elements of the road network in the region.
TABLE 1: SIPARIA SUB‐REGIONS, DEVELOPMENT ZONES, COMMUNITIES SUB‐REGION DEVELOPMENT ZONE SIPARIA EAST #1 SIPARIA URBAN AREA #2 PALO SECO #3 FYZABAD #4 SAN FRANCIQUE SUB‐REGION TOTAL SIPARIA WEST (COASTAL) #5A LA BREA, and #5B ARIPERO (a related sub‐zone which does not have a clearly defined service centre) #6 POINT FORTIN SUBURBS #7 CEDROS PENINSULA
SUB‐REGION TOTAL REGION TOTAL (Census 2000) APDSL: August 9, 2010 COMMUNITIES (as used by the Central Statistical Office) POPULATION (Census 2000) 15,634 SIPARIA, Sudama Village, Quarry Village, Danny Village, de Gannes Village, Robert Hill, Siparia, Syne Village (part) PALO SECO, Bennet Village, Jacob Village, 9,592 Waddle Village, Beach Camp, Los Charos, Lorensotte, Santa Flora, Los Bajos, Carapal, Rancho Quemado, Erin Proper, Erin, Buenos Ayres, Los Iros/Erin FYZABAD, Pepper Village, Delhi Settlement, Avocat Village, St Mary’s Village, St John, Oropouche, Harris Village, Thick Village, Forest Reserve, Apex Oil Field, Geerahoo SAN FRANCIQUE, La Fortune Pluck, Tulsa Village (part) 18,253 4,468 47,949 LA BREA, Brighton, Chinese Village, Point 20,320 D’or, Sobo Village, Vessigny, Vance River; Sub‐zone ARIPERO, Rousillac, Silver Stream, Mon Desir, Dow Village Guapo Lot 10, Parry Lands, Salazar 6,095 Village, Gonzales (part), Cochrane (part), Cap de Ville (part) CEDROS, Bamboo Village, Bois Bough, 7,553 Bonasse Village, Chatham, Coromandel, Fullerton, Granville, Icacos 33,968 81,917 Page 35 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
5.1.2 Siparia East Sub‐region and Development Zone Planning Proposals The Siparia East Sub‐region has four development zones with a total population of 47,949 (Census 2000). These are: #1 Siparia Urban Area #2 Palo Seco #3 Fyzabad #4 San Francique. The spatial structure of the Siparia East sub‐region can be characterized by the defining features of the natural environment, such as the forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, wetlands, coastline and the residual areas between the other major land uses where settlements are located. The settlement pattern of the sub‐region consists of dispersed housing clusters constrained by bands of forested areas on the western and southern boundaries. The notable land use features are: ‐ in the northeast, the Oropouche lagoon and the Godineau Swamp Reserve - in the west, Morne L’Enfer, Cap de Ville and Erin forest reserves, wildlife reserves and state forests, some of which are allocated to oil production - along the south coast ‐ the Southern Watershed Reserve and other state forests - in the centre and north of Siparia, the Siparia Forest Reserve - the beaches and fishing areas on the coast, and - major land areas dedicated to oil production, quarrying and industry The residual areas for settlement are primarily narrow corridors with settlements located astride the arterial roads, SS Erin Road, Siparia Road and Fyzabad Road along which the commercial and other services are concentrated and the housing spread out on either side and along access roads. Traffic and other infrastructural problems are worsened because of this land use pattern and the arrangement of land parcels creating serious physical constraints in re‐organization and expansion of the settlements. Listed in Table 2 is a summary of the natural environmental assets and features in this sub‐region and related development potentials. The development potential is enhanced where features are linked because they are interrelated or located together and can be grouped into clusters. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 37 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Table 2: Natural and Environmental Assets ‐ Siparia East Sub‐region Environmental asset/Feature (Map symbol) Forest Reserves Wetland / Mangrove Wildlife Reserve Watersheds and Catchments Rivers Beaches and Bays for Recreation SIPARIA EAST SUB‐REGION Siparia #1, Fyzabad #3 & San Francique #4 (linked zones) Siparia Southern Watershed Siparia Forest Reserve Godineau /South Oropouche Godineau Palo Seco #2
Erin Potential Activity/Attraction Excellent potential for wildlife, bird and butterfly watching; nature trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding; kayaking and canoeing already in Oropouche South Oropouche Erin Coora Quinan St Hill Quinan (shared with Penal Debe) Godineau Erin Los Iros Potential for beach recreation, sea‐bathing; snorkeling and scuba diving limited because of poor water quality N/A Turtle Nesting Sites Fishing Areas Mud Volcanoes Attractions/ Archaeological Sites Banwari Trace Excellent potential for river walks, picnicking, viewing and fishing for rare and ornamental fish species Erin Potential for recreational fishing alongside commercial Erin Potential for visitor site Anglais and attraction Point NOTES: 1 Features shaded in blue are interrelated or have potential for clustering 2 Linked zones offer potential of clustered development of features APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 38 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
TABLE 3: Road Network ‐ Siparia East Sub‐region CATEGORY OF ROAD ELEMENTS Arterial Road Collector Road Critical Road Junction NAMES
MAP REFERENCE 2
Fyzabad Fyzabad Guapo Siparia San Francique La Fortune Pluck Coora Quinam Oilfield Erin S.S. Erin /Siparia Fyzabad /Fyzabad Guapo S.S. Erin /Oilfield a
b c d e f g h i A
B I SS Erin The features of the road network are shown in Table 3 and Figure 4. The introduction of the new regional highway from Golconda, outside of San Fernando, to Point Fortin with interchanges serving Siparia and Delhi Road/Fyzabad will have a strong positive impact on the road network and movement patterns within the sub‐region. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 39 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
5.1.2.1 Development Zone #1: Siparia Urban Area The Siparia Urban Zone accommodates the administrative and business centre of the region. This position will be strengthened when the local government reform process is implemented. The expected outcomes will include an intensification of city‐centre type activities with a concomitant demand for more and larger commercial and business places, growth in traffic and the establishment of new higher‐order activities. The development requirements to be met through appropriate planning responses will include rationlised land use allocations, upgraded infrastructure and services, especially drainage and transportation, urban design to maintain and enhance the urban character, visual appearance and functioning of the town. Urban design will include refurbishment and redevelopment to achieve higher intensity and more mixed use including new housing, especially in the inner areas, to add to the interest and vibrancy of the town as well as the incorporation of a redeveloped market and a new transit hub as focal points of people‐oriented urban activity. The main features of the Siparia Town Centre are shown in Figure 6. The above will be achieved only if the town is developed and managed in a systematic manner and in accordance with the wishes of its stakeholders by means of a local area plan that will lay down a design for the future, integrate those wishes and expressed needs and guide development action of individuals and agencies. The local area plan will make proposals on the long‐term redevelopment and expansion of the town. It will also identify short‐term measures to be undertaken immediately to reduce the clutter, conflicts and congestion in the Town Centre, enhance its visual quality and amenity level and improve its functioning, all intended to maintain and strengthen its position as the primary public space in the region. To allow for the efficient accommodation of commercial activity and public service, it is recommended that the plan focus on measures in the main core of the town centre that include provision for a safe, comfortable, and vibrant pedestrian environment and efficient traffic circulation, including: Pedestrianisation of High Street between Siparia Road and Grell Street facilitating conflict‐free shopping and access to public services. Improvement of the pedestrian environment through urban design measures such as, widened, barrier‐free sidewalks and safe, conveniently located and clearly marked street crossings, weather protection canopies, street trees and street furniture (benches, lighting, drinking fountains, waste receptacles, planters, telephone booths, etc.) Integration of the pedestrian routes with the transit hub and the public transport network, especially geared to the needs of the large numbers of school children. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 41 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:

Undergrounding of utility cables and installation of well‐designed business and other information signage. Institution of appropriate traffic management measures to resolve the conflicting needs of all users, including private and public vehicles accessing the town centre and those passing through, pedestrians, public transport users, handicapped persons etc. There are other existing suburban‐type commercial strips, such as Quarry Village and ribbon development along arterial roads which require consolidation, traffic management treatment, parking and appropriate landscaping so that they will continue to satisfy their service function safely and with less conflict. 5.1.2.2 Related Development Zones, #3: Fyzabad and #4: San Francique The town of Siparia is located at a focal point of the main roads serving Siparia and two related development zones – Fyzabad and San Francique. There are also strong links, along the SS Erin Road, with Penal to the north and Los Bajos and Palo Seco to the south and with Fyzabad along the Siparia Road. The new highway will broaden the opportunity for interaction between Siapria and other settlements, but also increase competition for growth. The Fyzabad and San Francique zones are associated with the Siparia Urban Zone because of the close spatial relationships, road linkages, shared history and features. This association extends functionally across the regional corporation boundary to Penal and other nearby communities in the Penal Debe Corporation area. The commercial area of Fyzabad should be the subject of a local area plan designed to restore its vibrancy and improve its attractiveness as the historic/cultural home of the Labour Movement and the centre of the main annual labour day celebrations. This idea was highlighted in the specific recommendations from a participant of the public engagement, which included: • establishment of a historical labour museum where visitors including school children would revisit Fyzabad’s role at the centre of development of the T&T labour movement • eco‐tourism possibilities showcasing the wildlife (there is a wildlife reserve within the Morne L’Enfer Forest Reserve) • development of the Fyzabad/ La Brea (LABIDCO) /Forest Reserve corridor through eco‐tourism and a housing estate; • Re‐emergence of sporting activities for which the area was famous APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 42 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Photo: Oropouche Swamp The natural environmental assets and features in these zones, their development potentials and the opportunities for clustering add to the prospect for an eco‐tourism development programme. The most notable feature here is the Oropouche Swamp/Godineau Swamp, a special ecological area which overlaps the Siparia – Penal/Debe boundary. Ideally, planning and management of its development should be the responsibility of one entity which could be either of the two regional corporations. San Francique zone located at the southwestern edge of the swamp can be regarded as part of this ecological area and as such a location for the farming activities. Within the Oropouche Swamp and the adjacent Godineau Swamp Reserve, various species of mangrove are the primary vegetation. The area is state‐owned with large areas leased to rice growers. The remainder is unprotected. Agriculture, principally rice growing, petroleum exploration, hunting for waterfowl and fishing are the principal uses of the area. This wetland is an important breeding area for waterfowl and other fauna and there is a small population of Caiman. The wetland is used extensively as a nursery and feeding ground for many species of commercially important fishes, and offshore there is an extensive bank which is the focus of a thriving fishing industry. The many threats to this swamp include pollution from agrochemicals and an oil pipeline which runs through the area, increased sedimentation, reclamation for agriculture, squatting by illegal settlers, dumping of rubbish, coastal erosion and fires in the dry season. Proposals for the conservation of the area have been drawn up by the Institute of Marine Affairs. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 44 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Photo: Sudama Boating Facility In this area, there are the Sudama Boating Facility (Oropouche) and the Grand Terre Picnic Site. During field reconnaissance, the following mix of conditions were observed: evidence of religious activities along the Godineau river eight fishing boats docked at the boating facility fishing along the river livestock (goats, cows, ducks), and wildlife (two caymans as well as the bird jacana jacana). There is a pipeline crossing the swamp which then runs through the river, and there are also buried pipelines (CO2, oil and gas). Some solid waste was observed at the side of the mangrove along the roadway. However, the majority of black and red mangrove within the area appeared to be intact and healthy. Areas that were once predominantly rice have now been replaced by small crops or have been converted to residential areas. Food crop production dominates the area. Photo: Picnic Site Photo: Fishing, Oropouche APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 45 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
There is also shared responsibility for Quinam Bay and Beach between the regional corporations of Siparia and Penal/Debe and, in addition, the Forestry Division is responsible for the adjacent park and recreation facility. Photo: Quinam Bay Recreation Park & Beach 5.1.2.3 Development Zone #2: Palo Seco The Palo Seco zone is well endowed with man‐made assets as well as natural features. These include: o the infrastructure, housing and the remaining activity in administration associated with the oil industry o the fishing centre at Erin Bay o local tourism facilities at Los Iros Bay and Palo Seco Bay o the extensive agricultural holdings managed by PSAEL (regrettably this activity is in decline, even though, as pointed out by one participant, PSAEL can be credited as having operated the first mega‐farm) o forested lands o Palo Seco Velodrome and Sports Club Facility (which can become the core facility for revival of the renowned sporting activity in the region) The suggestion was also made by a participant at the public engagement that Beach Camp at Palo Seco could become a major resort attracting local and foreign visitors. The possibility existed that an hotel chain could be invited to undertake such a project. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 46 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Photo: Palo Seco Velodrome and Sports Club Facility
Photo: Los Iros Beach and Life Guard Station
Photo: Facilities suggested for Los Iros The Palo Seco Zone is also endowed with an adequate complement of social and community facilities, although, in common with many other areas there are deficiencies in infrastructure requiring attention. The prospects for development of the Palo Seco Zone will be considerably enhanced if a pro‐active facilitating role is pursued by the two leading corporate entities Petrotrin as the landowner and main employer and PSAEL as APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 47 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
the land management agent and implementing agency. A partnership arrangement, which has been successful in other corporation areas, can be adopted with these companies, the Regional Corporation and relevant central government agencies undertaking programmes and projects. Detailing of the development proposals for this zone in a local area plan should be undertaken as a matter of priority. 5.1.3 Siparia West (Coastal) Sub‐region and Development Zone Proposals Siparia West (Coastal) Sub‐region has three development zones with a population of 33,968 (Census 2000). These are: #5 La Brea, #6 Point Fortin Suburbs #7 Cedros Peninsula. Although it falls outside the sub‐region, Point Fortin serves as its main urban service centre. The sub‐region is configured as a corridor varying in width between 2 km and 8 km and has a 100 km coastline along the Gulf of Paria from Godineau River to Icacos and along the Columbus Channel coast up to Erin Bay. The proposed regional highway from Golconda, outside of San Fernando to Point Fortin with interchanges at Delhi Road/Fyzabad and La Brea and connectors to St Mary’s Junction and La Brea will have a strong impact on this sub‐region as it will become a stronger spine than the existing arterial, the Southern Main Road, facilitate public transport, influence the orientation of settlement patterns and create new nodes of development activity. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 48 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
The introduction of the new highway into the existing main road network will directly relieve the problems of the existing network and improve movement especially in areas where the arterial and collector roads are overloaded and traffic conditions at junctions are at critical levels. Table 4. The area between St Mary’s Junction and Vance River, now served primarily by the Southern Main Road can benefit most from the new highway as an alternative route especially for long‐distance and heavy traffic serving the industrial estates at La Brea and Union and Point Fortin. In fact the benefits are so significant that this section of the new highway merits ranking as Phase 1 for construction. Figure 5. The natural environmental assets and features located in these zones and related development potential are listed in Table 5. The development potential is enhanced where features are linked because they are interrelated or located together and can be grouped into clusters. TABLE 4: Road Network ‐ Siparia West (Coastal) Sub‐region CATEGORY OF ROAD ELEMENTS NAME MAP REFERENCE Arterial Road Southern Main 1 Collector Road Sobo Grant’s Mon Desir a b c Critical Road Junction Southern Main /Fyzabad Southern Main /Mon Desir Southern Main /Grants Southern Main /Boodoosing Trace Southern Main /Sobo Southern Main/Erin/Guapo Cap de Ville C D E F G H APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 49 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
TABLE 5: NATURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSETS ‐ SIPARIA WEST SUB‐REGION Environmental asset/Feature (Map symbol) SIPARIA WEST (COASTAL) SUB‐REGION La Brea #5 & Point Fortin Suburbs #6 Cedros #7 (linked zones) Morne L’Enfer Cap de Ville Cedros Chatham Rousillac Los Blanquizales Icacos Basin Forest Reserves Wetland / Mangrove Wildlife Reserve Morne L’Enfer Watersheds and Catchments Rivers Rousillac Vance Vessigny Silver Stream Beaches and Vessigny Bays for Station Recreation Carat Top Turtle Nesting Sites Fishing Areas Otaheite La Brea Guapo Cedros Cap de Ville Granville Columbus Bay South Chatham Cedros Icacos Galfa Point Cedros – Fullerton & Bonasse Icacos Columbus Estate Fullerton Galfa Point Chatham Mud Volcanoes Attractions/ Archaeological Sites Pitch Lake Potential Activity/Attraction Excellent potential for wildlife, bird and butterfly watching including scarlet ibis; nature trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding Limited potential Potential for beach recreation, seabathing; snorkeling and scuba diving limited because of poor water quality Potential for turtle watching similar to Salybia and Potential for recreational fishing alongside commercial Potential for visitor site and attraction. The Pitch Lake is a special attraction discussed in more detail in the text. NOTES: 1 Features shaded in blue are interrelated or have potential for clustering 2 Linked zones offer potential of clustered development of features APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 51 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
5.1.3.1 Development Zone #5A: La Brea and #5B: Aripero This zone is the most vibrant in the region. It is sub‐divided into two sub‐zones, La Brea and Aripero to reflect the differences mainly in existing and proposed development. The proposed changes to the boundaries of the regional corporation areas will reinforce the separation, in that the La Brea sub‐zone will be added to the Point Fortin Borough Corporation area. Significant new industrial development is already underway in this zone at the La Brea and Union Industrial Estates and Brighton Port, shown in Figure 5. The projected establishment of a number of heavy gas‐based and related industrial plants has the potential to benefit the entire region. However benefits will not flow automatically and sustainability cannot be assumed. The lesson from the industrial history of the region is clear ‐ to achieve sustainability there must be a more comprehensive development strategy which uses heavy industrial development as the driver but includes all other components of development, including other economic sectors, housing, social facilities, transportation and environmental management issues. Moreover, to be fully effective all development action must be planned, coordinated and managed and engage the targeted beneficiaries, the persons living in the communities, in the process in a meaningful way. The recent Master Plan studyv concluded that the number of permanent jobs in the heavy industries will not be large, people will not be attracted, readily, to live in the area, the income generated in the area may be spent elsewhere and support services, many of which are already established elsewhere will not move or develop close to the core industries nor bring new jobs to the area. An even more serious effect is the transitory nature of the economic impact in the area from the boom during construction usually followed by a substantial decline thereafter. The limited number of direct jobs in industrial and commercial port activity should be supplemented by indirect and informal job opportunities for persons of surrounding communities and the rest of the region and jobs generated by development in other sectors. Training for employment in the new industries is often seen as the main answer in providing access to the direct jobs in industry. However, it is equally important to provide broader based training in business development and entrepreneurship in support of efforts in other sectors needed to satisfy the variety, numbers and distribution of the employment demanded. Other sectors include service type business and ecotourism. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 52 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
The best opportunity is in ecotourism which opens up business prospects and new employment for people of the community in general accommodation, bed and breakfast facilities, tour guide services and adventure expeditions in the sea, rivers, forests and wetlands found in the coastal strip from Godineau Swamp/Oropouche Lagoon to Rousillac Swamp. While sites and attractions represent the core of any tourism development they must be developed appropriately. Ideally they should be in a cluster to provide variety of interest and be managed locally. Additional business opportunities will be found by incorporating other components into the package of attractions around physical sites, such as, local food and beverages, local craft based on natural materials, locally designed clothing and accessories, short musical and drama productions and outlets for sale of products based on the particular site experience such as videos. Further in the La Brea zone, this community‐based tourism strategy can be enhanced by including the industrial projects as attractions and targeting international visitors. The oldest surviving industrial activity which would be of interest is the Trinidad Lake Asphalt Company. International visitors who are familiar with asphalt‐paved roads around the world would be particularly interested in gaining an understanding of the process from the mining of the raw pitch to the shipment of the product. Re‐
instatement of the cableway with buckets, transporting people instead of pitch, can be an added attraction. The photograph of a cruise ship tied up at Brighton Port suggests that direct visits by international tourists is not a far‐fetched idea. PHOTO 5.1: CRUISE SHIP DOCKED AT BRIGHTON PORT The La Brea Pitch Lake is a well‐known example of a significant and unique attraction which can be more fully exploited for the benefit of the community by being incorporated into a cluster of attractions rather than being considered a stand‐alone attraction. In a cluster the Pitch Lake would be grouped together with the archaeological sites of international stature and heritage value in the area and the unique historical site associated with the location of the first oil well in Trinidad. An even APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 53 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
stronger cluster providing an enhanced heritage experience can be created with the establishment of the La Via Historica with a cluster at each end ‐ La Brea Pitch Lake cluster at the south end and La Brea Vieja cluster at the north. La Brea Via Historica is a portion of the La Brea Village Road on which there are buildings of historic interest as well as contemporary civic and administrative buildings. With the appropriate urban design treatment, landscaping and traffic management La Brea Via Historica will be established as a first‐class attraction. La Via Historica LA BREA PITCH LAKE CLUSTER APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 54 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
La Brea Vieja is the heritage site consisting of the restored structures in the old civic centre of the town such as the historic police station and courthouse buildings and the magistrates quarters, which can become a cultural heritage centre, the coastal recreation site at Station Beach, a reasonably long stretch of clear sand with an adequate back drop of land for picnicking activities and a playfield. Station Beach & Recreation Ground Proposed Cultural and Heritage Centre La Brea Vieja Cluster Police Station & Court House Churches on La Via Historica APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 55 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Beach Recreation Vessigny Beach facility is part of the La Brea cluster and enjoys wide popularity among visitors from many parts of Trindad. While the buildings are in very good condition and the facility is obviously well maintained by the Tourism Development Company, the bordering Vessigny river has been badly affected by sand accumulation from the Union estate site works and is in need of restoration, protection and continuing attention in order to maintain the attractiveness and viability of the facility. Photo: Vessigny River (showing silting) 5.1.3.2 Photo : Vessigny Beach Facilities Development Zone #6: Point Fortin Suburbs There are six communities within this zone, three of which are shared with Point Fortin namely Gonzales, Cochrane, Cap de Ville and the others are Guapo Lot 10, Parry Lands and Salazar Village. These are ideal residential communities and serve as suburbs of Point Fortin. The availability of land provides scope for growth linked to the industrial and commercial development in Point Fortin and La Brea. Already housing has commenced in Hubert’s Town. 5.1.3.3 Development Zone #7: Cedros Peninsula The Cedros Peninsula falls on the other extremity of the development spectrum from the industrialized form contemplated in La Brea. It can become a premiere natural resource and environmental development zone, Trinidad’s “GREEN PENINSULA”. The remoteness of the Cedros Peninsula from the more heavily populated parts of Trinidad may be seen as a constraint but this can be turned into an attractive element by promoting water transport as a special experience in accessing the peninsula from other parts of the country. To this must be added the uniqueness of the peninsula because of APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 56 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
its acknowledged rich biodiversity and vast array of rare species found nowhere else in Trinidad and its historic and subsisting cultural connections with Venezuela. The focus in the development strategy will be on the following sectors and the specific sites and attractions are shown in Figure 7: 1
Natural Resource‐based Business, including a. Agriculture and agri‐business; the landholding pattern of large estates can facilitate these activities b. Food Crop Production and Processing c. Specialized Crops Activities, such as, seasonings and spices, beekeeping, hydroponics, small livestock – feasible because of the availability of suitable lands d. Fisheries – fishing centres at Cedros, Fullarton, Bonasse and Icacos e. Forestry and Agro‐forestry – Forest Reserves at Chatham and Cedros 2
Service Sector (based on environmental and community resources) a. Eco‐tourism – Los Blanquizales and Icacos swamps b. Community‐based local tourism – based on development of the varied natural resources into a cluster of activities c. Visitor Sites and Attractions – turtle nesting at beaches at Cedros, Icaco and Glafa Point; mud volcanoes at Columbus, Fullerton, Galfa Point and Chatham d. Cultural Tourism e. Water Taxi Transport – suitable for access by tourists 3
Services Sector a. Services to households and visitor accommodations, such as building and grounds maintenance, transport etc. b. Personal Services Exclusivity and measures for rigid protection of the resources provide a real opportunity to create a recreation and visitor industry with a difference. A variety of visitor clusters matching life styles and family structure can be arranged – nature adventure even with a hint of danger, hiking, nature trails, observing dangerous reptiles such as snakes, river and swamp exploration and turtle watching similar to what is known in Matura and Grande Riviere. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 57 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
The suggestions and comments from the residents of this zone, listed below, demonstrate a sound knowledge of the peninsula’s assets and a keen awareness of the kinds of projects which can benefit their communities. Projects and comments on development by Cedros residents •
•
•
•
•
mud volcano sites and a tower the well‐attended hosay festival celebrated historically without a break fisherfolk celebrations a Hindu heritage site currently being established Beau Congo – a former slave settlement. •
•
Fish and shrimp projects previously proposed for Cedros. •
Agricultural planning needed to replace energy as a priority concern as food production could serve as an alternative driver to the oil and gas economy. •
•
In Cedros a modern facility ‐ the mill processing plant ‐ has been shuttered. •
There was no longer a Court House in Cedros, suggesting that Cedros was regressing rather than progressing. Chatham as a food basket for T&T should be part of the Siparia development plan. There are prospects for the processing of citrus and production of bottled water. A security concern ‐ The expansive Chatham coastline was exposed to an influx of foreigners with guns/ammunition and illegal commercial goods. An army base was considered as a measure to reduce such activities. Photo: Columbus Bay Beach Facility and Food Service Natural attractions such as beaches can provide a cluster of activities catering to family life style and structure. The beach itself can be used for passive activity, power walking and certain sports, while the sea can be used for swimming, surfing, skiing and diving. Beaches that possess this range of attractions can therefore be clustered and cater to the stages of development of the family and life styles. The objective is to build up the activity to encourage long‐stay visits to the region. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 59 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
6.0 Urban Design This chapter describes how urban design concepts and principles are applied in the municipal development plan for the Siparia region. Lichfield Planning, the independent urban design consultant, considered the qualities listed below to be particularly important when designing new places and changing existing places and in making assessments for development control. Design is seen as a cross‐cutting function that applies at all levels of planning and at every spatial scale. Hence it must be embedded in this regional planning process, incorporated in more detail in the local area plans and used as a criterion in the assessment of the appropriateness of proposed development projects. 9 Distinctive 9 Safe 9 Well‐connected 9 Adaptable and Manageable 9 Easy on the Environment Because of the predominantly natural environmental character of the region much of the material is drawn from the Technical Report TR4 ‐ Environmental Report, Volume II; photograph and figure numbers are referenced to this report. Urban design material is also contained in Chapter 6.0 and other sections of the report dealing with planning policies and objectives. 6.1 CHARACTER of the REGION 6.1.1 Landscape Character of Region The landscape character of the Siparia region can be described by its geography, general physical characteristics and its key environmental assets. It has a predominantly natural environmental character. It is a large peninsula at the southwest corner of the island of Trinidad, close to Venezuela on the South American mainland but remote from the main developed parts of the country. Its coastline of about 100 kilometres, runs from Godineau River on the Gulf of Paria to Quinam Bay on the Columbus Channel. The peninsula is about eight kilometers at its widest and narrows almost to a point at its southwestern extremity, Icacos. The arterial road network defines the configuration of settlements, most of which straddle the roads and spread relatively short distances on either side. The main exception is La Brea which seems to owe its physical configuration, towards the Gulf of Paria, to its early dependence on sea transport for general movement of people and goods and for industrial exports.
The other defining physical feature of the region is its mixture of land uses, dominated by forest reserves, other forested state land, coconut estates in the Cedros Peninsula, open land with on‐shore oil production infrastructure and settlements of various sizes, bases for off‐shore oil production, ports and industrial areas, fishing centres, agriculture, swamps, rivers and wetlands and numerous beaches. With an area of just over 51,000 hectares it ranks sixth among the corporate areas in the country and in population it is seventh with 82,000 persons. However with a density of 1.6 persons per hectare, the region is one of the most sparsely populated. This low overall density is due largely to the extensive areas of forests, swamps, open land in pasture and agriculture and land devoted to oil‐production and quarrying with virtually no resident population. The geographic configuration, scale and variety of its environmental assets also contribute to the landscape character of the Siparia region. The description of the key environmental assets is presented under the following headings: <
Forest Reserves, <
Wetland / Mangrove, <
Wildlife Reserve, <
Watersheds and Catchments, <
Rivers, <
Beaches and Bays, <
Turtle Nesting Sites, <
Fishing Areas, <
Rare Species, <
The Pitch Lake, <
Mud Volcanoes, and Archaeological Sites Forest Reserves As shown in (Figure 1 of TR4), there are six (6) forest reserves are listed below: • Cap de Ville Forest Reserve / Nursery •
Siparia Forest Reserve •
Morne L’Enfer Forest Reserve •
Cedros Forest Reserve •
Erin Forest Reserve •
Southern Watershed Forest Reserve APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 61 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Wetland/Mangrove The wetland / mangrove areas are: <
Godineau / South Oropuche Swamp, <
Roussillac Swamp, <
Los Blanquizales Lagoon and <
Icacos Basin. Figure 8 (reproduced from Figure 12 of TR4) shows the reserves and mangroves and the recommended protective buffer zones around them. Wildlife Reserves There are two wildlife reserves ‐ the Godineau Swamp Reserve and the Morne L’Enfer Wildlife Sanctuary Watersheds and Catchments Catchments and watersheds define drainage areas of the land surface which contribute flow of water to rivers, standing water bodies or seas. There are five major catchment areas: < Cedros Catchment < Guapo Catchment < Erin Catchment < South Oropuche Catchment; and < Reset South Catchment Rivers Rivers are components of the hydrological cycle which collect water from precipitation, surface run‐off or groundwater recharge and used as a source of water for both domestic and agricultural uses, recreation, food production, transport and for waste disposal. Riverine ecology is an important environmental asset. Vegetation along the banks not only provides a habitat for many animals, but also stabilize the banks and prevent erosion. River banks are important elements of the landscape as attractions and recreation sites and should be preserved and enhanced through land use planning and urban design strategies. A unique example in the Quarahoon River, Chatham Road, home to the Silver Tetra found only in this river. Other major watercourses identified are Roussillac, Silver Stream, Vance, Erin, Vessigny, Cap‐de‐Ville, Quinam, Coora and St. Hill rivers, shown in Figure 9 (reproduced from Figure 4 of TR4). APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 62 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Beaches and Bays In Figure 10 (reproduced Figure 6 of TR4) are shown the main beaches and bays, the approximate lengths and the textures of beach sediment. MAIN BEACHES AND BAYS NAME APPROXIMATE TEXTURE OF BEACH SEDIMENT LENGTH (KM) West Coast (Gulf of Paria) Vessigny Beach 0.9 Fine‐grained, brown sand Granville Beach 4.9 Burnt silts and clays, medium‐grained, brown sand Bonnasse 0.4 Fine‐grained, greyish‐brown sand, composed primarily of quartz Columbus Bay 4.0 Greyish brown, medium‐grained quartz rich sand South Coast (Columbus Channel) South Chatham 2.3 Brown, fine‐grained, quartz rich sand Los Iros 2.0 Light brown, fine‐grained, quartz‐rich sand Quinam Bay 1.6 Fine grained, pale brown sand with mainly quartz (Source: CSO, 2007). Turtle Nesting Sites Four areas Figure 10 ( Figure 6 of TR4) of reported turtle nesting were documented in the source book “Sea Turtles and Their habitats, Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, Pointe‐a‐Pierre Wildfowl Trust” written by Molly Gaskin: <
Otaheite Bay, <
Cedros Bay, <
Icacos Point, and Galfa Point and Erin Bay. <
A combination of urban design and management is necessary to deal with factors which would discourage turtle nesting such as uncontrolled access, stones, debris, garbage and light at night. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 63 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Fishing Areas The major fishing grounds are found at Otaheite, La Brea, Cedros, Icacos and Erin. A combination of urban design and management is necessary to deal with factors which would affect negatively the fishing activity such as uncontrolled use of the beaches, dredging and reclamation stones, dumping of solid waste. Rare Species There are species of plants and animals found nowhere else in Trinidad and Tobago except but on the southwest peninsula. One explanation for this is the proximity of this peninsula to the South American mainland and to the Orinoco River. A list of the species of concern (reported by J.S.Kenny, 2005) with notes on distributions is presented in Technical Report TR4, Volume II. The habitats of these species must be protected by the application of the appropriate urban design and management measures. Quarries The minerals quarried in Trinidad are primarily sedimentary in origin. The main materials quarried within the Siparia Region are oil sand, asphalt and porcellanite. Oil sand and asphalt are used as road paving material whilst porcellanite is used as an alternative to Portland cement and as a low grade base material. The Stollmeyer Quarry, located off the Southern Main Road in the vicinity of Point Fortin is a major oil sand quarry in the area (Figure 10). Several other quarries are found within the Erin and Chatham areas. Other quarries are located off the SS Erin Road (such as Ragunauth Quarry) and along Puerto Grande Trace. Most of the quarries in the area are functioning, but there are some abandoned quarries which with creative urban design can become recreation sites. (See Photograph 39). Mud Volcanoes A number of mud volcanoes occur most prominently along the southern coastline (Figure 8 of TR4). The major mud volcanoes identified are: <
Erin Group <
Anglais Point <
Chatham <
Columbia Estate, Fullerton Cedros <
Galfa, Cedros With appropriate design treatment some of these can become visitor attractions. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 64 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
6.2 Rural/Urban Balance The region is predominantly rural with a few relatively small urban settlements. This is clearly shown in the land use map. Figure 2 (Page 7). There is a physical differentiation in the region between two sub‐regions – the West (Coastal) Sub‐region and the Eastern Sub‐
region both of which contain a mixture of rural areas and urban settlements but which because of geography, location and history of development require different planning approaches. The sub‐regions have been further subdivided into development zones with classifications shown in the attached Table 1(Page 35) and Figure 4 (Page 40). The table below shows the urban places, their settings and classifications. CLASSIFICATION OF URBAN PLACES SUB‐REGION DEVELOPMENT ZONE URBAN PLACES – Town /Village CLASSIFICATION SIPARIA EAST #1 SIPARIA URBAN AREA SIPARIA – The Administrative and Commercial Capital PRIMARY URBAN CENTRE #2 PALO SECO #3 FYZABAD #4 SAN FRANCIQUE PALO SECO – Minor Service Centre TERTIARY URBAN CENTRE FYZABAD – Secondary Service Center ( in decline) SECONDARY URBAN CENTRE SAN FRANCIQUE – Small Village Town in conurbation including ‐
Sudama Village, Quarry Village, Danny Village, de Gannes Village, Robert Hill/Siparia, Syne Village Village in conurbation including Beach Camp, Los Charos, Santa Flora Town, with small hinterland, which has declined in importance Suburb to Penal SIPARIA WEST #5 LA BREA (COASTAL) LA BREA – Secondary Service Centre SECONDARY URBAN CENTRE #6 POINT FORTIN Small villages with minor SUBURBS service functions Town in conurbation including Brighton, Chinese Village, Point D’or, Sobo Suburbs to Point Fortin Guapo Lot 10, Parry Lands, Salazar Village, Gonzales, Cochrane (part), Cap de Ville
Group of Villages – free standing
Fullarton, Graville, Icacos Bonasse
#7 CEDROS PENINSULA CEDROS – Minor administrative service centre TERTIARY URBAN CENTRE APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 70 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
6.3 Predominant Character of Urban Places In the table above the three urban places of any significance in the Siparia region are shown – Siparia, the regional capital, Fyzabad and La Brea. Siparia, the regional capital has the administrative and commercial facilities expected in such an urban area. Historically it also served as an administrative/service centre for the oil industry in this region. However because growth of the town was not properly planned and managed, it suffers from the well‐known problems resulting from a lack of planning ‐ land use conflicts and traffic congestion in the central area and constraints on efficiency in its urban functions. Siparia and other urban places in this region also exhibit the physical appearance of dilapidation and neglect, the results of many years of economic decline. This is most noticeable in the physical stock of key public and community facilities and commercial establishments that have gone out of business. 6.4 Urban Design‐related Issues and Planning Responses In this region design issues will be concerned with maintenance, enhancement and upgrading of the environmental assets, improvement of built areas and mitigation of problems. The treatment of design issues and the application of planning policies are complementary and directed toward the same objectives – providing safe, secure and attractive environments for people to live, work and recreate themselves. The approach to the formulation of planning policies, must embrace urban design as an essential aspect especially where the resulting development culminates in a highly visual, three‐dimensional form. Re ‐ the Region Issues Much of the new economic development and employment generation activity in the region will be based on its predominantly natural environmental landscape characteristics and assets. Hence the most critical urban‐design related issue at this level is the protection and enhancement of environmental assets. Planning responses The appropriate responses are the environmental management policies and actions in Section 7.3.1 ‐ Summary Recommendations. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 71 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Re ‐ Individual settlements Issues The main issues in existing settlements are experienced by residents and visitors in the visual appearance of the physical environment and in the stress and discomfort in accessing the services . There are also conflicts between activities and the negative impacts of sub‐
standard or poorly functioning infrastructure. To improve the character of the physical environment in the settlements, especially in the central areas and the public spaces 1
To apply urban design principles in solving problems of congestion and land use conflicts 2
To enhance the character of the heritage and other visitor sites Planning responses The planning responses are proposed in Chapter 7.0 – Implementation and Management, with specific details of urban design measures in Table 6 in which strategic objectives and implementation requirements are spelled out. Each settlement will require a general local area plan to deal with the broader issues of land use relationships, movement of people and settlement or sub‐regional wide infrastructure. This plan will reflect the form and character of the place desired by the users. More detailed urban design will deal with matters such as street improvements, amenity spaces such as , parks, green spaces and building settings. Siparia is an example of a town where the relationships between existing facilities can be better structured, the settings and access improved and elements introduced to create a more coherent an distinctive town centre. The people of La Brea have a very strong emotional attachment to the town, even though it has declined in both economic activity and appearance. The planning response in the regional plan is a proposal to create a heritage and community tourism attraction – La Brea Vieja and Via Historica. Details are contained in Section 5.1.3.1. Re ‐ New urban places or extensions Issues The most serious issue is the possible visual and environmental impacts on the areas adjacent to and surrounding the La Brea and Union industrial estates. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 72 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Another issue is the current practice of development of low density, poorly serviced housing areas, lacking in distinctiveness and environmental compatibility which takes places in both public and private sector projects. Planning responses There is also the need to apply the contemporary design principles to achieve the highest possible quality in new places. Two principles must be adopted ‐ more compact design with mixed densities to ensure more economical and efficient infrastructure servicing and transit‐oriented configurations to minimize and discourage the use of private vehicles. While this may be achievable in public sector projects, special provisions must be introduced in the development control process to improve private sector projects. 6.5 Places in Need of Urban Design Improvements, Frameworks and Briefs 1 Siparia Town Centre ‐ the surroundings of La Divina Pastora Church and the parade route and accommodation for Siparia Fete. Figure 12 shows the close grouping of the important features in the Siparia Town Centre which is the basis for urban design improvements and Figure 13 is a conceptual illustration of a pedestrian environment. Figure 14 is a simple bus transit hub conceptual sketch. 2 Fyzabad – to upgrade the accommodation and facilitation of the Labour Day celebrations, establish a museum and enhance the Uriah Butler monument and the Labour Union Hall 3 La Brea – to establish La Brea Vieja and Via Historica facilities as visitor attractions. (suggestions are made in Section 5.3.1) 4 Other ‐ Banwari Trace site as a visitor attraction. ‐ South Oropouche Wetlands for boating, wildlife viewing ‐ Beaches on Columbus Channel for beach recreation ‐ Shore of Peace Cremation Site adjacent to Godineau river mouth‐ passive and religious related facilities APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 73 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 75 Figure 13 – Pedestrian Environment Concept 6.6 Examples of Good Urban Design Beach Facilities Figure 14 – Bus Transit Hub Concept La Divina Pastora Church APDSL: August 20, 2010 Page 76 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
6.6.1 More Examples of good urban design
Hindu Temple Dilapidated Houses, but with design character Police Station on hilltop setting Modern Community Centre Landscape Features and Signage
6.7 Place Check
Place Check is a technique used to facilitate the understanding of a place, its use by and reactions of persons involved and in deciding on actions for development. Place Check will prepare the ground for the systematic documentation to inform Local Government councils, corporate partners, developers and local communities and for the production of urban design and development guidelines for any place. The Siparia Region will require urban design guidelines applied at both regional and local area levels. Because of the large size of the Siparia Region and differences in characteristics, these will be related to two sub‐
regions and then further applied to development zones and local areas. The steps in a Place Check application to the sub‐regions and communities will be: a)
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Selection of the Place and identification of significant elements, such as routes, buildings, vistas, spaces Listing of all persons involved Systematic recording of each person’s observations and reactions, both positive and negative Soliciting views on how the place and its elements can be improved Preparation action plans to effect improvements, with priorities. These will include direct and indirect actions as well as the administrative, technical and co‐orperative machinery for carrying out the actions. The sub‐regions are: ◙ West Coastal Sub‐Region ◙ East Siparia Sub‐Region The following guidelines will apply at regional plan level: •
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Development of a framework for the Siparia Regional Corporation through the setting out of overall planning and design policies Development of Action Area Plans, urban design frameworks, development planning and design codes, setting out and illustrating planning and design principles to apply to the two zones Involving local communities in the place check process to foster community involvement and buy‐in, using techniques such as the visioning exercise Developing tailor‐made community strategies involving local strategic partnerships involving local businesses, local authorities, community groups and other stakeholders. Preparing local authorities’ community plans. Helping to build community capacity. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 78 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
•
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Helping to form public, private and voluntary sector partnerships. Establishing design review panels, expert and grass‐roots. Assessing development proposals through development control Guidelines that can be developed and implemented within the context of Local Area Plans will include: ◙
A neighbourhood plan for specific sites, such as neighbourhoods, recreation grounds, beaches, streets etc ◙
Town, village or neighbourhood design statements or character assessment, showing how development can be carried out in harmony with the overall urban design philosophy for local areas of the region Conservation appraisals, policies and implementation measures Street improvement and management plans. Industrial estate improvement strategies. Ideas for creating new parks and greenspaces or the refurbishment of existing ones. Creating town centre management initiatives by engaging property owners, residents, businesses, NGO’s and CBO’s with an interest in the future of the town centre to arrive at agreements on a shared vision, a strategy and implementation of action plans for that town centre Working together to manage local projects to improve town urban design schemes. ◙
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Place Check can play a vital role in creating ideas which will have significant impact since everyone is affected by highway networks and major arterials such as the S.S. Erin Road, Siparia Main Road and the Southern Main Road and urban roads. The following steps are included: ◙ Pedestrianisation of areas within sub regional centres, such as Siparia, Fyzabad and La Brea ◙ Traffic‐calming schemes. ◙ By‐passes, other new rural roads, and rights‐of‐way improvement plans. ◙ Dedicated cycle and pedestrian routes. ◙ Street management codes. The application of the place check will also contribute to village improvements through the introduction of a design statements. Two scenarios have been chosen as examples of how place check can be applied: APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 79 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
1. Routes centered on Siparia Town 2. La Brea Industrial Estate PLACE CHECK SCENARIOS 1. Siparia Town Routes STEP 1 ‐ Identification
ROUTES CENTERED ON SIPARIA TOWN (S S ERIN, COORA, SOUTHERN MAIN, FYZABAD QUINAM BEACH) Routes in the South West region were selected. These routes embrace almost all of the region and impacts on all residents and users. Hence their reactions are critical. o Tourist routes to Quinam Beach which bring trade into the region – S.S Erin Road, Siparia Road and Southern Main Road o Cultural Route – route is seen as the High Street traverse from to Mary Street to the Siparia Churches and during the Siparia Fete Day. This route envisages a series of places along the route that are scenic and of culturally and religious significance o Sports route – from Irwin Park to Palo Seco can be viewed as a regional sports route by virtue of the velodromes and other facilities. o Rural access routes – Cedros, Icacos. o Routes used by agricultural vehicles. o Commuter routes to nearby towns – o Routes for recreation/leisure purposes, o Routes to schools, pubs, local shops and churches STEP 2: PLACECHECK
Who needs to be involved? ◙
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What do you like about the route/s? Are there valued buildings along the route? Are they well looked after? ◙
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Councilors Public Sector all departments Private Sector Local Government
Communities
Special Purpose Groups Special Interest Groups (NGO’s, CBO’s, Churches, Rotary Clubs)
Environmental Groups
Police Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) – to use Siparia as a potential location for movies and short films as well as historic features Scenic – Vistas Peaceful Accessible Churches Prison Cells Old Civic Buildings New Public Buildings Attractive Old Houses (now dilapidated) ◙
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Poor lighting Security Amenities Infrastructure ‐ poor Services ‐ inadequate Road carriageway Drainage Signage – Information Centres Visually unattractive What don’t you like and how can it be improved ? APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 80 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
How can we make this a more valuable and special route? STEP 3: ACTION PLAN ◙
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Signage Preservation Policies Treasuring our traditional built development Public Awareness Surface and roadside improvements Implement the findings of the Place check ◙
Development of linkages with Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) ◙
Tourism Development Plan ◙
Development of ecotourism ◙
Solid Waste Management ◙
Education Programmes – Schools ◙
Wooden Road Signage ◙
Maintenance of water courses ◙
New Development must reinforce the character of the region 2. La Brea Industrial Estate STEP 1 ‐
Identification
Routes: LA BREA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ‐ PITCH LAKE – La BREA TOWN AREAS – INDUSTRIAL SITES STEP 2: PLACECHECK
Who needs to be involved? What do you like about the route/s? What don’t you like and what improvements can be made? How can we make this a more valuable and special route? The industrial zone of the Siparia region was chosen as the second scenario. The La Brea Industrial Estate is viewed as an income generator and a key developer in the Siparia Region. It is relevant, therefore, to focus on the users of the Industrial Estate and the residents around and on the natural resources of this peninsular. o Tourist routes Pitch Lake and Brighton Port o Cultural Route – Pitch Lake history and tours – La Brea Vieja and Via Historica o Rural access routes –access through Siparia and other communities to the south west o Routes for recreation/leisure purposes, such as Point D’or Recreation Ground o Routes to schools, pubs, local shops and churches ◙
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APDSL: August 9, 2010 Councilors Public Sector all departments Private Sector Local Government and Communities
Special Purpose and Interest Groups (NGO’s, CBo’s, Churches, Rotary Clubs)
Environmental Groups
Police Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) – to use Siparia as a potential location for movies and short films as well as historic features Corporate partners – PSAEL, NEC, Lake Asphalt Scenic – Vistas Accessible Trees and verges Poor lighting Security Amenities Infrastructure poor Services inadequate Scenic – Vistas Peaceful Page 81 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Are there valued ◙
Scenic – Vistas buildings along the ◙
Peaceful route? Are they well ◙
looked after? What don’t you ◙
Poor lighting like? ◙
Security ◙
Amenities ◙
Infrastructure poor ◙
Services inadequate What needs to be ◙
Road carriageway improved? ◙
Drainage ◙
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Signage – Information Centres Step 3: Implement the findings of the Place check ACTION PLAN ◙
Road carriageway improvements ◙
Scenic route to Pitch Lake ◙
Create Buffer zones ◙
Drainage ◙
Signage – Information Centres the history of the route should be managed and named and signage introduced ◙
Traffic calming measures ◙
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Transportation Hub Nature Walks and Hiking trails ◙
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Design scenic breaks within the main centre of La Brea ◙
Develop coastal vistas and views ◙
Information Centres to educate visitors on the history of the estate and Pitch Lake ◙
Domestic Tourism development ◙
Underground electrical lines ◙
Wooden Road Signage ◙
Design Guidelines ◙
New Development must reinforce the character of the region APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 82 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
7.0 IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT 7.1 Implementation Requirements With the reform of local government the regional corporations are expected to be vehicles for implementing central government policy. In addition the Siparia Regional Corporation (SRC) will be responsible for ensuring that the Siparia Regional Development Plan is elaborated through local areas plans and its projects implemented. In particular, the role of the SRC will include promoting the community vision and objectives of the plan and facilitating the achievement of the development policies and proposals. A constraint on the corporation is that it has no jurisdiction and limited influence in the operations of the utility agencies which play the major part in implementation of these aspects of the Plan. The best possible arrangement is for the Corporation to act as the clearing‐house to be kept informed of and ensure adequate co‐ordination of activities and as the agent for monitoring and feedback. This role will require a high level of coordination of the various public sector agencies by the SRC and their cooperation in implementing the aspects of the plan for which they will be responsible. Additionally, a high degree of collaboration must develop between the public sector, the private sector and the non‐governmental and community based organizations. Collaboration among these groups will be most important in order to achieve efficient, effective and timely development. In fact the ideal arrangement would be to establish partnerships among the interest groups with SRC taking the role of initiator and leader of an advisory coordinating group or committee. It was earlier stated that strong intervention is required to effect significant development in this region. The respective roles of the partners will be: ¾ central government – policy determination, design and facilitation of the overall development thrust ¾ SRC (local government) – implementation of assigned development responsibilities, initiation of local development action and mobilization of partners ¾ private sector ‐ leading role in job creation, strategic investment of human and financial resources ¾ large corporations in the region, namely Petrotrin, LATT, NEC and its parent NGC and PSAEL as partners will contribute expertise and technical assistance ¾ NGOs and CBOs ‐ maintaining community involvement in the development process by direct action in their areas of competence, promoting and monitoring implementation to ensure relevance and timely delivery of projects and services. Table 6 shows the relationship between the seven strategic objectives, the intended development impacts and the implementation requirements. In section 7.2, there is a summary of programmes and projects. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 83 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
TABLE 6: STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES/IMPACTS/IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES INTENDED
General //Detailed statements IMPACT and Indicators 1 .Provide for equitable distribution and efficient provision of social development facilities. Provide social facilities and services for education, skills development, health & childcare, culture, recreation, business, leisure, safety and security. Social impact Indicators: Ungraded and additional social facilities; increased output of trained persons. Generate opportunities for safe and affordable housing development Social Impact Indicators: Completion and distribution of housing units; new projects APDSL: August 9, 2010 IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS AND PRIORITIES
• Programmes/Projects + Implementing Agency & Resources ¾ Timing •
Upgrading of existing facilities + Programme of Minor works carried out by the Corporation with budgetary support; > Short ‐term •
Site identification, design and construction of new social facilities; + Individual projects of ministries and agencies, coordinated by Corporation; + Social development including greater access to social services and programmes in education and skills training for the residents ¾ Medium to Long‐term to match population demand. Priorities Upgrade of recreational and sporting facilities throughout the region with priority given to Siparia Irwin Park, Palo Seco and Sobo facilities New market in Siparia Town ‐ fully designed and approved by T& CPD since 2004 but no action has been taken to implement the project Quarry Village ‐ without recreation ground due to the fact that the Corporation does not own the land. •
Land availability, site identification, project development and construction; + Projects identified by HDC in La Brea at Pier Road and Boodoosing Trace and underway in Hubert’s Town + Options for public, private or public/private projects ¾ Long‐term Page 84 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
TABLE 6 (continued)
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES General //Detailed statements INTENDED
IMPACT and Indicators 2. Attract investment projects and business enterprises that will generate worthwhile and secure jobs Facilitate traditional economic activities (retail, offices, industrial, etc.); Support new and emerging growth sectors ( tourism, recreation and entertainment, ICT and agriculture) Economic Impact Indicators: Business and investment opportunities, increased budgetary provisions and employment. Increase in visitors to sites and attractions Enhance Siparia, La Brea and Fyzabad Town Centres and other commercial nodes Economic Impact Indicators: As above Re‐vitalize areas with available infrastructure and facilities, such as Siparia, Fyzabad, Forest Reserve, Santa Flora Economic and Social Impact Indicators: Projects and real estate products APDSL: August 9, 2010 IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS AND PRIORITIES
• Programmes/Projects + Implementing Agency & Resources > Timing •
Facilitation of operations and upgrading of support facilities for traditional economic activities; + Corporation led programme ‐ mobilizing resources of specialist and facilitating agencies ¾ Medium‐term •
Investment, business and entrepreneurship development; + Primary responsibility carried by the specialist and business development agencies such as, NEDCO and BDC and corporate partners such as, Petrotrin, Lake Asphalt, NEC; ¾ Long‐term Priorities Small business and entrepreneurship development programmes A community based tourism approach built around cultural, marine, industrial, and sports tourism initiatives, with a focus on creating clusters The development of visitor sites and attractions ‐ Corporation initiative to be supported with funding Siparia Fete – requires recognition and support as a national event. •
Physical Development Programme; + Urban development programme initiated by the Corporation and facilitated by specialised agencies (such as UDeCott) and utilizing private sector resources; + Comprehensive urban design to enhance the physical spaces of the town centre and increase their attractiveness ¾ Long‐term Prioriies Town centre re‐development and new development within the context of local areas plans Traffic Management proposals •
Implement business development and regeneration projects to re‐vitalized areas; + Physical development planning and construction projects initiated by the Corporation and facilitated by PSAEL and Petrotrin to tap into niche market of former residents and attract new residents; ¾ Short to Long term Page 85 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
TABLE 6 (continued)
IMPACT and Indicators 3. Secure environmental sustainability
Promote natural resource conservation and biodiversity, minimize energy usage, reduce noise, air, water and land pollution, solid wastes and treatment requirements. Integrate environmental measures (legislation, standards, etc.) into development management programmes. Reduce the risk of flooding and other hazardous events and provide protection from the impacts of climate change. Promote measures to increase community and corporate sensitivity to the environment. IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS AND PRIORITIES
• Programmes/Projects + Implementing Agency & Resources > Timing Environmental Impact Indicators: Natural environmental quality, energy utilization, waste generation •
Implement environmental management programme; + Corporation environmental management programme; ¾ Medium‐term and continuing Environmental Impact Indicators: As above •
Engineering design and construction; + Short‐term improvement projects by Corporation backed‐up by long‐term comprehensive programme supported by Central Government agencies such as, ODPM and EMA; ¾ Short to Long‐term •
Implement environmental education programme; + Corporation programme backed up by relevant national agencies, such as EMA; ¾ Short to Long‐term Environmental and Social Indicators: Training programmes 4. Enhance livability/identity/image of the Region in terms of functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal Facilitate efficient spatial relationships and connectivity among districts and centres. Pursue sustainable and efficient use of space and adopt compact physical development forms Provide public spaces and facilities to enhance urban character and vitality; protect visual values and open spaces, create safe and memorable environment and a sense of place. Design new development projects in harmony with the natural and cultural environment Restore/re‐use historic and renewable urban resources such as, derelict sites, buildings and existing infrastructure Enhance environmental quality and functioning of Siparia, La Brea and Fyzabad and other commercial nodes as important activity centres and focal points. Optimise conservation/ use of heritage and natural resources and events ‐ Banwari Trace, Forest & Wildlife Reserves, Pitch Lake/ La Brea Vieja, Cedros/Rousillac rivers and swamps, Labour Day, Siparia Fete APDSL: August 9, 2010 •
Establish a physical planning, urban design and environmental functions in the Corporation to carry out the required programmes and projects in addition to the related responsibilities identified for the reformed corporation Required Functions and Programmes Physical planning Urban Design Urban re‐development and revitalization Environmental management Physical planning and urban design and development Related Responsibilities of Reformed Corporation Monitor planning and development activities Issue approvals for applications for full planning permission for single‐family residential units in approved layouts Issue completion certificates for buildings, land development and subdivision plans Landscaping and beautification of communities ¾ Long‐term Social, Environmental and Physical Impact Indicators: Social and environmental – enhanced physical spaces; increased community identity and image and cultural values physical – infrastructure facilities and services, transportation, flood reduction and aesthetics Page 86 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
TABLE 6 (continued)
IMPACT and Indicators 5. Upgrade physical infrastructure facilities and services Provide adequate capacity and Physical Impact efficiency of service for water (infrastructure) supply, sewage disposal, Indicators: drainage, solid waste management, electricity, and As Above telecommunications. Provide the population with safe, reliable, and affordable infrastructure and transport services IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS AND PRIORITIES
• Programmes/Projects + Implementing Agency & Resources > Timing • The Corporation to coordinate and monitor infrastructure upgrading and development programmes being executed by State Enterprises, Statutory Corporation and Public Sector Agencies: ¾ Short/Medium to Long‐term 6. Improve the Region’s accessibility (inter‐regional transport and intra‐regional mobility) Provide highway access from Physical Impact
San Fernando and introduce sea (transportation) (water taxi) and air (heliport) Indicators: access As Above Integrate land use and transportation systems for efficient access to services and facilities Ensure energy efficiency and CO2 reduction in the transportation system. Promote non‐motorised forms of transport (walking, cycling) and the use of public transport over private vehicles in order to reduce congestion and improve air quality. Provide for the safe and convenient movement of industrial traffic within and around town centres APDSL: August 9, 2010 •
The Corporation to undertake the following (preferably jointly with the Point Fortin Corporation) a) to promote early start and completion of construction of highway access from San Fernando, which is ready for implementation b) to initiate a study on the establishment of a ferry/water taxi service to Southwest Trinidad, and c) to establish suitable ferry terminals and a heliport. ¾ Medium to Long‐term Priorities Transportation – establishment of Transit hubs/parking facilities and shuttle services in town centres Easy highway access critical to the development of the region‐ new highway to Point Fortin was seen as a priority. Roadway and bridge at Mosquito Creek needed urgent attention to deal with the persistent interruptions caused by flooding and incursion of sea water.
Page 87 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
TABLE 6 (continued)
7. Promote community empowerment, participatory governance, and local government autonomy. Formulate appropriate mechanisms Ease of for effective implementation of Implementation: development activity. Indicators: Formulate strategic projects to Timing, Cost, facilitate collaboration among Deliverability, public, private, and community organizations in the implementation Qualitative Standards process. •
Implement reform of SRC local government body and introduce new roles and responsibilities backed up by appropriate governance and administrative authority Priorities Land availability for development is of overriding importance. Requirements are – identification in land use plans and governance and administrative facilitation as part of the reform process to deal with the following issues: utility agencies are not serving the region adequately; they seem to lack either the will or capacity or to recognize fully the needs of this region. responsibility for providing and maintaining sporting facilities rests with the Sports Company MLG must take a holistic view of development rather than the traditional ad hoc project‐by‐project approach. Corporation bypassed in reafforestation activities vital exercise for the region’s sustainability - control of Quinam Park and beach facilities split between two corporations and the Forestry Division
7.2 Summary of Programmes and Projects In this section the programmes and projects recommended for implementation in the Plan and achievement of the objectives are summarised. They are grouped under the two options derived from the development concepts representing the end points of the agreed development continuum as indicated earlier. The options also imply phasing in that the programmes and projects in option1 are generally to be carried out in the short‐term while those under option2 will be carried out in the medium to long‐term. Also activity in option 1 might be the start of a programme or project which will be completed in the later stage of option 2. Option 1 PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS INCLUDE: Infrastructure and Transportation Improvement of road conditions; priority should be given to the arterial roads through settlements Improvement of water supply, solid waste disposal and sewage disposal – engineering investigations have indicated where the more pressing needs occur, see Technical Report 5, Volume II. Reduction of flooding, requires short‐term measures initially while more comprehensive solutions are designed; the priority is to clean and restore drains with the focus on preventing flash flooding and the blocking of roads; special measures must be designed to deal with flooding associated with coastal erosion , see Technical Report 5, Volume II Institution of appropriate traffic management measures including transit hubs, distributed car‐parking, shuttle services and pedestrianization; priority should be given to Siparia, see Technical Report 3, Volume II Commencement of highway link from San Fernando (this project is designed and ready for construction); the recommended first phase is the section between St Mary’s junction and the La Brea interchange which will improve service to the most highly urbanised part of the region and to the industrial estates and port. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 89 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Social Implementation of development commitments in the housing sector (collaboration required with HDC); Pier Road in La Brea (infrastructure is fully designed), Boodoosing Trace and the recently launched project in Hubert’s Town. Industrial Implementation of development commitments in the industrial sector at Union and La Brea Industrial Estates Option 2 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES INCLUDE: Industrial and Infrastructure Establishment of downstream industries linked to major industrial development at La Brea and Union Estates; locations to be investigated are La Brea and Palo Seco Implementation of infrastructure upgrading and new development programmes to support new industrial plants, as needed MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND HIGH LEVEL FACILITIES INCLUDE: Social Construction of new higher‐order health facility Establishment of a tertiary level institution; both of these facilities should be located in Siparia to strengthen its position as the regional capital. Special Urban Development Development of the La Brea Vieja project and Via Historica as part of a community tourism programme Transportation Completion of highway access from San Fernando Establishment of a water taxi terminal and heliport (requires prior feasibility studies) APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 90 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
SERVICES SECTOR – TOURISM, RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT WOULD REQUIRE: Planning and Urban Development Programme Enhancement of town centres for commercial and other public uses and general improvement of environmental conditions; Siparia is the priority, Fyzabad is the second priority and La Brea requires local area planning and design to determine the appropriate site for town centre activities Upgrading of parks and recreation grounds including Irwin Park, Palo Seco Recreation Ground and Sobo Recreation Ground as higher order facilities Examine the feasibility of establishment of a new golf course as a spur to executive housing development; Beach Camp is a good location to strengthen its resort potential Establishment of forest, wetland and water sports facilities and protection and upgrading of beach facilities at Quinam, Vessigny, Granville, Los Iros, Palo Seco, Chatham, Cedros, Icacos Facilities for community‐based and eco‐tourism: ‐ tours to industrial plants, Cedros Peninsula, Pitch Lake, Vessigny Beach, Venezuela, Banwari Trace and other clusters of sites and attractions and facilities to support festivals and events ‐ La Divina Pastora, Labour Day, Hosay in Cedros Siparia Fete, Carnival, sporting events (projects to be guided by an assessment of the economic contribution of this group) 7.3 Environmental Policy and Management Environmental policy and management are essential measures for sustainable implementation of development programmes and projects. The National Environmental Policy is formulated and disseminated by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA). The EMA also has overall responsibility for environmental management in the country under the Environmental Management Act. Details of the procedures for administering the provisions of the Act which subjects a wide range of developmental activities to controls are contained in the Report. The following environmental management measures are recommended to safeguard the environmental assets specifically identified in the Siparia region. The measures are a combination of land use planning, the application of development standards, monitoring and enforcement of controls on actions and will be carried out under the overall oversight and management of the Regional Corporation. A summary is contained here; full details are given in the Report. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 91 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
The environmental management measures to be applied in development planning are presented in two sections of the report: <
Development Planning Actions <
Other Actions. Planning actions discuss spatial considerations used in the planning stages of new development while other actions discuss environmental concerns and mitigation measures during the construction and operational phases of the development. In this summary only the recommendations relating to the planning stage will be described. Environmental protection actions in the Plan will be based on various forms of development that are likely to take place within the Siparia Regional Corporation. The forms listed below are what were currently observed within the corporation, and it is likely that these will be considered for future expansion and further development: <
Residential <
Light Industry <
Institutional <
Heavy Industry <
Transport Infrastructure <
Commercial <
Agriculture & Livestock <
Coastal Development <
Recreational <
Waste Disposal <
Forestry <
Mining Development has been classified into 6 broad categories based on similarities in their operational needs and outputs, see Table below. DEVELOPMENT CLASSIFICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CATEGORY Urban Development Rural Development Industrial Development Coastal Development Mining Waste Disposal APDSL: August 9, 2010 APPLICABLE DEVELOPMENT Residential, Commercial, Institutional, Recreational, Transport (Roads and Highways), and Tourist facilities Plantation, Short crop, Livestock, Aquaculture, Agro‐forestry, and Agro‐
industry. Light Industry (manufacturing of textiles, food etc.) and Heavy Industry (oil, & gas). Ports and harbours, Reclamation, Oil and Gas, Transmission lines, and Beach facilities Quarrying, Oil and Gas Extraction, and Groundwater extraction. Development or expansion of landfills and wastewater treatment plants. Page 92 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Spatial development planning must consider the trade‐offs between the aforementioned developments and the environmental assets. The assets present in the Siparia Regional Corporation were identified as sites of biological and archaeological interest and as such, necessary steps should be taken in protecting these assets. These recommendations are discussed under the following subsections: <
Forest Reserves <
Beaches and Bays <
Wetlands / Mangroves <
Turtle Nesting Sites <
Fishing Areas <
Wildlife Reserves <
Soils <
Rare Species <
Watersheds and <
Hydrocarbon & Mineral Catchments Resources <
Rivers <
Archaeological Sites <
Groundwater Resources 7.3.1 Summary Recommendations Recommendations of measures to be taken in development planning to protect the environmental assets within the region are summarized as follows: Forest Reserves <
Continue the Forestry Division’s reafforestation and rehabilitation projects in the Morne L’enfer, Cedros and Erin Forest Reserves; <
Discontinue squatting and prohibit new squatting in any of the Forest Reserves; <
Prohibit illegal logging and strictly control legal extraction of logs in the reserves; and <
Control and monitor the construction of new oilfield access roads through the forest reserves. Wildlife Reserves <
Avoid new development in the two wildlife reserves. <
If industrial development is proposed adjacent to a wildlife reserve, establish a 300m wide buffer between the wetland and the industrial development. This buffer should be maintained under natural vegetation, and should be policed and protected. <
Continue the Forestry Division’s reforestation and rehabilitation projects in the Mone L’Enfer Reserve. <
Prohibit squatting in any of the Wildlife Reserves. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 93 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
<
<
Wetlands <
<
<
<
<
<
Prohibit illegal logging (particularly in the Morne L’Enfer Forest Reserve) and strictly control the legal extraction of logs in the reserves. Control and monitor the establishment of oilfield access roads through the Wildlife Reserves (particularly in the Morne L’Enfer Forest Reserve). Avoid development in any of the four wetlands. If industrial development is proposed adjacent to a major wetland, establish a 300m wide buffer between the wetland and the industrial development. This buffer should be maintained under natural vegetation, and should be policed and protected. Avoid the construction of pipeline corridors, roads or other transportation infrastructure to serve development within any of the four major wetlands. If development in other areas results in destruction of smaller areas of wetland, a “no net loss” policy should be adopted as outlined in the Ramsar Convention. Avoid reclamation activities near any wetlands. If land is to be reclaimed in the vicinity of wetland areas, it should be sufficiently offshore so as not to obstruct the regular tidal flushing of the wetlands, either due to the reclamation work itself or due to accretion inshore of the reclamation which may occur over time. Avoid the construction of channels or turning basins near any of the wetlands. If channels or turning basins are to be dredged in the vicinity of wetland, these should not alter nearshore circulation patterns nor should they provide preferential paths for wave energy to approach closer to the shoreline and increase coastal erosion. Soils <
Avoid urban development on good agricultural soils (Class III). If the soil types in a particular area are conducive to agricultural growth then rural development should be considered for this area. Watersheds and Catchments <
Plan developments within the suitable areas available in the sub catchments. Suitability of the areas should be based primarily on hydraulic properties and susceptibility to flooding. <
Tidal flooding occurs on the foreshore road between Mosquito Creek and Godineau River as water from the Gulf of Paria encroaches on the roadway during high tides. The Ministry of Works and Transport is currently in the APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 94 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
process of designing and constructing a highway from St. Mary’s Junction to Paria Suites which must be considered when development is contemplated. Rivers <
<
Avoid built development within river reserves and establish reserves as needed. The river reserve should be 20 m from the upper bank on either side of major rivers. Recognise the flood prone areas in the study area. If development is to take place in these areas, then provide adequate drainage to alleviate potential flooding and accommodate increased flows due to built development. Groundwater Resources <
Consult with the Water Resources Agency to identify recharge areas and avoid development in such areas. Beaches and Bays <
Avoid development in areas which would result in conflicts among the various users of the beaches and bays. This includes loss of access to public beaches and conflicts between the fishing industry and oil / gas industry. Where conflicts arise provide alternative sites for development. <
Quantify and assess marine processes prior to development. Quantified marine processes should allow for all phases of development (design, construction and operation) provided that conditions are favourable. If marine processes will be significantly impacted, then alternatives should be considered. Turtle Nesting Sites <
Protect the turtle nesting beaches present in the area. Avoid built development that would result in light, noise or the generation of debris on or near any of these beaches. <
Ensure that shoreline protection works near turtle nesting beaches are compatible with the existence of sandy beaches (groynes or breakwaters) as opposed to those which focus wave energy at the shoreline (sea walls or riprap revetments). Fisheries <
Avoid the clearing of coastal mangroves to facilitate coastal development <
Avoid reclamation or dredging activities in or near any of the fishing areas so as to prevent the disturbance of pelagic and demersal fish species; APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 95 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
<
Design and locate ports, approach channels and offshore structures so that no conflict is caused between industrial vessels and fishermen accessing their fishing areas. Hydrocarbon and Mineral Resources <
Avoid mining in critical habitats such as forest reserves, wildlife reserves, and wetlands. Archaeological Sites and Other Sites of Interest The Plan should recognise the location of these sites and plan intrusive or damaging forms of development away from these sites. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 96 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Appendix 1 DETAILS OF DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS 1 Development Rationalization Concept Objective: to guide and rationalize prevailing development trends. Measures : Improvements in social and physical infrastructure, public sector investment and management to meet needs in the short‐term Required increases in investment and local management of development process Siparia Regional Corporation to play greater role in securing such improvements Programmes and projects would include: • Roads – maintenance and upgrading • Water supply, sanitary and solid wastes disposal ‐ improvements • Reduction of flooding • Traffic management measures and upgrade of public transport system • Highway improvements – commencement of link from San Fernando • Upgrading and/or supply of health and other social facilities • Implementation of development commitments in industrial and housing sectors Outcomes • Initially, to preserve jobs, stabilise population numbers and retain the natural increase in population. • Modest increase in population as a result of ongoing housing projects and infrastructure improvements. • Population growth accommodated through consolidation, intensification of existing settlements and committed projects. • Consolidate the prospects in and around La Brea and accommodate share of growth in the context of the La Brea‐Point Fortin growth corridor. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 97 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
2 Development Intervention Concept Objective: to strengthen and diversify the economic base so as to increase employment choices beyond investment in infrastructure and the already committed industrial activities. Measures • High level and broad range of investment (both public and private) to support complementary productive activities • Greater level of management responsibility for SRC and co‐management arrangements with PFBC for shared elements of the development Development programmes and projects • Downstream industries and development of natural resource‐based economic activity • Small and medium business development infrastructure • Re‐vitalisation of areas with available infrastructure and facilities – in areas such as, Siparia, Fyzabad, Forest Reserve, Santa Flora • Broad‐based coastal zone development • Completion of highway link from San Fernando • Establishment of a water taxi terminals and heliport • Environmental protection and historic preservation Outcomes • Increased industrial and business development and employment opportunities. • Population growth ‐ to be accommodated by intensification and expansion of existing settlements and appropriate new settlements • Recreation and entertainment sector expansion, requiring – Enhancement of town centres and other public areas and general improvement of environmental conditions in communities – Upgrading of parks and recreation grounds – Establishment of forest, wetland, beach and water sports facilities – Development of community‐based, heritage and eco‐tourism programmes and facilities, e.g.: – Tours of industrial plants – Facilities at Banwari Trace, Pitch Lake and La Brea Vieja – Activities in the Cedros Peninsula & Venezuelan coastal towns – Appropriate development based on the forest and wildlife reserves, rivers and swamps – Facilities to support festivals and events – La Divina Pastora, /Soparee Mai, Labour Day Celebrations, Carnival – Accommodation ‐ hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, nightclubs, etc. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 98 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
Appendix 2 SWOT ANALYSIS The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Constraints) analysis is a tool for auditing the region, its respective communities and environment. The results are summarized in the matrix (Table 2.1) for the Siparia region. It provides a complete overview of the key issues in the region and an initial indication of how planning for development should be approached. Strengths and Weakness are customarily related to internal factors while Opportunities and Threats often derive from external factors. This SWOT matrix encapsulates all previously expressed and current comments and concerns of the Corporation as well as those which emerged from the visioning exercise. The following critical issues requiring immediate attention were highlighted: ⇒ poor drainage, flooding, landslips and coastal erosion ⇒ deficiencies in infrastructure services and facilities, especially recreation and health ⇒ poor maintenance and inefficient solid waste disposal ⇒ oil spills and associated pollution ⇒ ineffective communications (intra‐corporation administration and between the corporation and the people) ⇒ need for human resources development TABLE 2.1: SWOT MATRIX FOR SIPARIA REGION STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Resources with Development Potential
• Established oil and downstream industries • Siparia Fete • Easter Celebrations – La Divina Pastora/Soparee Mai • Attractive Beaches • Attractive forests, wetlands and marshes – Oropuche, Aripero & Cedros • Remoteness can be appealing • Strong historical base • Available lands for pasture, agriculture and related activities Economic and Other Development • Sites with tourism potential, e.g. Banwari Trace Site • Potential for linkage to the National Transportation Network Human Resource Base • Strong athletic base – good recreation grounds and promising athletes • Diverse population and varied cultural characteristics APDSL: August 9, 2010 Infrastructure and Facilities • Poor roadside drainage • Little room for improvement along major road networks • Lack of basic services • Age and condition of some buildings, public, community and private • Lack of maintenance of beaches • Poor infrastructure • Flooding due to poor drainage • Poor waste disposal • Insufficiency of Early Childhood Centres • No Hospital facilities for growing population • Deficiency in the number of Community Centres Human Resource Base • High unemployment rates • High poverty rate • Low skills base • Inappropriate cultural attitudes Economic and Other Development • Under‐utilization of tourism destinations • Remoteness from main centres Page 99 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
TABLE 2.1 (continued) : SWOT MATRIX FOR SIPARIA REGION OPPORTUNITIES THREATS/CONSTRAINTS Natural Resource Base • Forest Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries – potential for tours; requires strong legislation to ensure preservation • Available land for growth Infrastructure and Facilities • To create further linkages to the outer lying regions of the South • Employment opportunities in downstream industries Human Resource Base • Residual skills in workforce Economic and Other Development • Banwari Trace Site – tours, requires recognition as a Natural Trust Site • Support of private sector companies • Marketing of beaches and other sites • Sports Tourism – suitable sites such as, Irwin Park and Palo Seco Recreation Ground • Cultural Activities and Events –Siparia Fete, Parang • Heavy industrial development at Union and La Brea estates and Brighton Port Natural Resource Base
• Poor soil conditions and problems with geological structures • Coastal Erosion – beaches and cliffs Infrastructure and Facilities • Traffic congestion especially in commercial centres • Salt water intrusion • Oil spills and its impact on coastal zone • Deficiencies in local area infrastructure and facilities improvements Human Resource Base • Limited employment opportunities • Negative attitude to improvements in overall appearance in the region • Constraining administrative structure and limits on funding • Tenure – restricted ownership of land required for facilities • Crime Environmental Concerns • Possible industrial pollution • Coastal erosion and destruction of forests, wetlands and wildlife habitats An issue that was not mentioned is the deficiency in broad‐based economic activity and employment opportunities which impacts significantly on the circumstances of the region. APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 100 SIPARIA REGIONAL CORPORATION:
REFERENCES All‐Inclusive Project Development Services Limited (APDSL). Framework for the Development and Management of Sites and Attractions (2004). Central Statistical Office, Community Register, 2000 Population & Housing Census, 2002 The Strategic Plan for the Food and Beverage Industry (2005) Vision 2020 Report of the Municipal Development and Sustainable Communities Sub‐Committee Operational Plan 2007‐2010 and the Ministry of Local Government Green Paper on Local Government Reform: Roles and Responsibilities of Local Government Bodies, April, 2008 Penal, Siparia and Fyzabad Local Area Concept Plan, Halcrow Fox Report on Workshop on the Regional Planning Process, Ministry of Local Government – 2008 i
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, Vision 2020 Report, 2005 ii
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago. The National Strategic Plan, (2005) iii
Town and Country Planning Division. National Physical Development Plan: Trinidad and Tobago – Ministry Finance (Planning and Development) 1984 iv
Town and Country Planning Division. Planning for Development: The South West Region. Ministry of Planning & Development 1975 v
Final Report for Master Plan Study for the South West Peninsula of Trinidad for NGC, Trintoplan Consultants Limited and Kenesjay Systems Limited in association with APDSL and Ecoengineering Consultants Limited APDSL: August 9, 2010 Page 101