Siparia Municipal Investment Plan

2012
SRC Municipal Investment Plan- Urban
Enhancement focused on Domestic Tourism
0
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................3
1.1 General ...........................................................................................................................3
1.2 Context ...........................................................................................................................3
1.3 Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics ...........................................................5
1.4 Development Issues .......................................................................................................7
1.5 Social Conditions and Community Organization ..........................................................7
1.6 Economic Activities .......................................................................................................8
1.7 Cultural and Recreational Characteristics .....................................................................8
2.0 The Project ............................................................................................................................11
2.1 Project Identification and Prioritization .......................................................................11
2.2 Criteria for the Selection and Prioritization of Programmes for the
Municipal Investment Plan .........................................................................................11
2.3 Description of the Overall Project ...............................................................................15
2.4 Project First Phase Summary .......................................................................................16
2.5 Project Justification......................................................................................................18
2.6 Project Plan Approach .................................................................................................20
2.7 Budget Estimates .........................................................................................................21
3.0 Issues to be Considered .........................................................................................................24
3.1 Traffic & Transportation Issues ...................................................................................22
3.2 Planning of the Rest of the Domestic Tourism Programme ........................................26
3.3 Strategic Partners .........................................................................................................27
3.4 Human Resources ........................................................................................................27
3.5 Stakeholder Consultation and Community Interaction ................................................28
3.6 Procurement .................................................................................................................28
4.0 Conclusion ..............................................................................................................................29
Maps
1
Map 1. Municipal Corporations of Trinidad ........................................................................4
Plates
Plate1. Examples of Squatting along the train line ..............................................................6
Plate 2. The now famous Siparia Fete with some of the old time characters ......................9
Plate 3. Siparie Mai and the church where she is enshrined - La DivinaPastora ................9
Plate 4. Siparie Mai and the church where she is enshrined - La DivinaPastora ................9
Plate 5. Site where the Banwari Man was found ...............................................................10
Plate 6. Irwin Park..............................................................................................................10
Plate 7. Location of the site for the New Transit Hub and Parking Facility ......................17
Plate 8. Location of the site for the New Transit Hub and Parking Facility ......................17
Plate 9. Ideas for the development of Piccong Plaza .........................................................17
Plate 10. Ideas for the development of Piccong Plaza .......................................................16
Plate 11. Icons of Siparia Daisy Voisin and depiction of Trinidad‟s “Banwari Man” ......18
Plate 12. Icons of Siparia Daisy Voisin and depiction of Trinidad‟s “Banwari Man” ......18
Plate 13. Current Taxi and Maxi taxi stand on Irwin Park ................................................22
Plate 14. Current Taxi and Maxi taxi stand on Irwin Park ................................................22
Plate 15. Current Taxi and Maxi Stands on the Roadways................................................23
Plate 16. Current Taxi and Maxi Stands on the Roadways................................................23
Plate 17. Parking on the Narrow Streets and on the sidewalks ..........................................23
Plate 18. Parking on the Narrow Streets and on the sidewalks ..........................................23
Charts
Chart 1. Priority Projects Identified by the SRC................................................................13
Chart 2. Guidelines for development of a sustainable tourism industry ............................19
Chart 3. Siparia Tourism Work Breakdown Structure.......................................................22
Chart 4. Outline Timeframe November 2011 – October 2012 ..........................................23
Tables
Table 1. Budget Guidelines................................................................................................21
2
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1
General
In August 2011, the Siparia Regional Corporation (SRC) held its first meeting to commence the
preparation of a Municipal Investment Plan (MIP). The Chairman and several Councillors and
senior members of the Administrative and Technical staff represented the Corporation and the
meeting was also attended by the Consultant team which had prepared the Municipal
Development Plan, members of the Planning Unit of the Ministry of Local Government and
members of the Consultancy team that would be assisting in the preparation of the MIP.
The first task of the SRC was to agree on a suitable project that would fulfil all the objectives of
this second phase of the local economic development initiative of the Ministry of Local
Government. It was noted in the discussion that the Regional Corporation of Siparia was
extremely diverse and not well connected as a region and in fact much of the districts are not
viewed as part of the Corporation. Many projects were identified for consideration (see listing of
potential projects) but it became clear to all that while most of the suggestions centred around the
creation of domestic tourism, the urban enhancement of the town of Siparia itself as a forerunner
to the further development of domestic tourism, emerged as the most suitable project. Chart 1
lists the ideas suggested by the Council and Administrative staff, as most of them could become
projects in the second phase of this domestic tourism programme.
1.2
Context
The Siparia Regional Corporation area is just over 51,000 hectares in size and ranks sixth in size
of the Regional Corporations 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
3
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.
Map 1:
Municipal Corporations of Trinidad
There are sixty- two (62) communities in this region, three of them shared with the adjacent
Point Fortin Municipal Corporation region and three with the 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 in terms of area, but eleventh place in density of the population with 1.6 persons
per hectare, only two-thirds of the Trinidad average. This low overall density is due largely to
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extensive areas of forest, swamps oil production lands in the region with virtually no resident
population.
The Siparia region depends on San Fernando, the regional capital for higher order 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 21 km by road
from Siparia and Port of Spain is 79 km.
1.3
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
The 2000 Census estimated that the population of Siparia was just fewer than 82,000. The
current population in Siparia is estimated at 88,600 and is estimated to increase to about 100,000
by 2020, based on the projected national average growth rate of 1% per annum.
The most significant demographic factors in the Siparia region are the population deficit in the
most productive age groups and the dependency ratio of 48% partially as a result of the increase
in the portion of the population in the older age groups. Younger residents have traditionally
sought opportunities elsewhere due to the decline in the regional economy, whichwas based on
oil and agricultureboth of which have decreased. However, as the region is relatively close to
San Fernando and Point Fortin, many families are now choosing to live in the Siparia region
where land is more available.There is some indication that returning retirees from overseas and
other former residents are migrating back to the region in sufficient numbers to generate
significant niche housing demand.
The Regional Plan notes that Siparia has a marginally higher average household size than
Trinidad as a whole. There is a noticeable lower owner-occupation percentage in Siparia than for
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the country overall and almost twice as many squatters. Water supply is deficient in Siparia and
piped water supply is irregular necessitating storage by residents as shown by the number of
households with water storage tanks.The quality of 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.Fewer dwellings are connected to a
central sewer system in the country overall and there is a much higher level of septic and latrine
usage in the Siparia region. In Siparia, 87 % of dwellings have electricity compared to 91 % in
Trinidad and Tobago overall.The percentage of households in Siparia with motor vehicles is
somewhat lower than the national figure.
Plate1:
Examples of Squatting along the train line
6
1.4
Development Issues
The Regional Plan indicated the need to upgrade intra-regional access and connections to the
main urban centres - San Fernando, Port of Spain and Point Fortin, Piarco Airport and the main
ports, to facilitate the movement of people, produce, and goods and equipment into, out of and
within the region. The reduction of transportation and traffic problems would attract investment
and facilitate business development. The Plan also recommends that the development
programmes should consolidate, rationalize and upgrade infrastructure, social and community
facilities to reduce the deficiencies in roads, water supply, drainage, utility services and
community facilities; land use conflicts and traffic congestion, provide infrastructure systems to
support new development and for health, safety and convenience of the population.
1.5
Social Conditions and Community Organization
The Regional plan noted that 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.
However, in Siparia there are 52 social and community organizations - 11
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), 48 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and 3
Faith-based bodies in areas such as community development, health and disabilities, voluntary
activity, the ageing population, youth and education. The existing social and community
facilities in the various development zones in the region were addressed against the standards
established for population groupings by the Town and Country Planning Division.
Quantitatively, there are no major deficiencies in facilities required for various population
groupings; however shortcomings exist in the quality of facilities.
The position of the town of Siparia as the established administrative centre in the region is
confirmed by the range of higher order facilities existing there, such as the Regional Corporation
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Head Office, Police Station, Health Clinic, Magistrate's Court, Fire Station and a stadium-type
recreational facility. It also has a large number of primary schools, three secondary schools as
well as four banks and an insurance office.
1.6
Economic Activities
The Siparia region accounts for 4 % of the total number of business in Trinidad in 2006 and is
restricted to consumer-type distribution and personal services which are not high-value activity
and do not employ many persons. Half of these businesses are micro-enterprises (5 employees or
less) and almost one- third are one- person activities.
There is an established industrial sector in the Siparia region comprising three major companies Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Petrotrin), Lake Asphalt of Trinidad and Tobago
Limited (LATT), National Energy Company (NEC)and these companies contribute to
community activities and partnership arrangements with the NGO‟s. There are plans for
industrial development at Union and La Brea Estate and Port, which will provide a limited
number of jobs in specialised industries and support activities and jobs in construction in the
short-term.
1.7
Cultural and Recreational Characteristics
The town of Siparia is well known for its Siparie Mai Festival and its Siparia Fete. The town of
Siparia is also the home of the Deltones Steelband and one of the famous parang groups that was
led by the former Daisy Voisin, a cultural icon. In terms of recreation, Irwin Park used to be a
significant regional recreation ground with an excellent cycle track, which the Corporation has
been lobbying to have restored; there is a well-equippedcommunity swimming pool and hard
8
surface courts and a sand volley ball court which could also be revitalised. The last station of the
defunct Railway is in Siparia and presents opportunities for a historical and cultural site. The rest
of the region is replete with cultural, recreational and historical sites from Cedros and Icacos to
Quinam Beach including the site of the now famous Banwari Man. Chart 1 lists some of these
sites that will form part of the tourism programme.
Plate 2:
The now famous Siparia Fete with some of the old time
characters.
Plates 3&4:
Siparie Mai and the church where she is enshrined – La
DivinaPastora.
9
Plate 5:
Site where the Banwari Man was found.
Plate 6:
Irwin Park
10
2.0 The Project
2.1
Project Identification and Prioritisation
To develop the Municipal Investment Plan a facilitative approach was used. A workshop was
facilitated by the Local Area and Regional Planning and Development Unit of the Ministry of
Local Government and attended by the Chairman and members of Council and senior
administrative and technical staff of the Corporation as well as the consultants who prepared the
Municipal Development Plan and the consultants who were going to assist the Corporation to
prepare its Municipal Investment Plan, The purposes of this workshop were inter alia:
To remind members of the Council andstaff of the results of the Municipal Development
Plan.
To ensure a bottom up planning approach. Each member of council and administrative
officers present was given the opportunity to identify a project or projects.
Theconsultant outlined the criteria for the selection and prioritization of projects and
thenafter
detailed
discussion,
council
members
prioritized
the
projects
for
implementation.
2.2
Criteria for the Selection and Prioritisation of Programmes for
the Municipal Investment Plan.
The project could be a programme – a series of related projects that have a common
purpose.
The project should focus on some tangible results in the next two years.
There should be sufficient data/research so that the design feasibility period would be
reasonably short given the above guideline.
11
The project should encompass the requirements of the Call Circular provided by the
Ministry of Finance and also offer opportunities for other sources of funding than the
PSIP or other direct State funding which is likely to be reducing in the near future.
12
Chart 1:
Priority Projects Identified by the SRC
DOMESTIC
TOURISM
Icacos
Cedros
(Jetty/Boardwalk/
Water sports / Mud
Volcano/ Scarlet Ibis
viewing site/ Beau
Congo village/ Sea wall
construction/
Amerindian cemetery/
cultural exchange with
Venezuelan town)
Banwaree Trace
Daisy Voisin Cultural
Site
Eco and Religious
Tourism (La
DivinaPastora Feast)
Boat Tours through
swamp
Restoration of Cocoa
House – restaurant/
conference rooms
Cremation site
Otaheite Fishing
Facility
Quinam and Los Iros
Beach Facilities (TDC)
Railway Road
Recreational
Development
Erin Beach (Fry Fish
Facilities)
La Brea Tower
First Oil Well Aripero
Feasibility Study for
Cable Cars
Health Tourism
(Sulphur Springs at
Pitch Lake)
Seawall for Shore of
Peace Cremation Site
Turntable at Siparia
SPORTING
FACILITIES
Sporting
Development at
Avocat Recreation
Ground
Irwin Park
Complex
Palo Seco
Velodrome
SIPARIA TOWN
CENTRE
Town Centre
Redevelopment
Car Park Facility
Homework Centres
Promenade with
bandstand/ seating/
tables/ historical
signs and cards
Improvements to
safety and security
(improve human
resource)
AGRICULTURE/
HEALTH
Los Iros Access Roads
Palo Seco Health
Facility
State of the art
Cemetery/ Crematorium
13
Railway Station
(Cultural Centre)
Protection of
mangroves/ bird
sanctuary
Green structures for
tourism sites (Access
Green Fund)
Public Convenience
Facilities
14
2.3
Description of the Overall Project
The Council members of the Siparia Regional Corporation, mindful of the criteria for selecting a
project and the timeframe for implementation of the first phase of the project agreed that the
major development programme should be focused on the Domestic Tourism opportunities that
their region had to offer. However, it was felt that the town of Siparia should be prepared to
become the hub and focal point of this tourism thrust. Different options were considered. These
projects were wide ranging and included:
Design and commencement of the re-development of the Irwin Park as a regional
sporting facility;
Creation of a Heroes Park within the Irwin Park area with possible expansion to other
cultural and historical features such as the Banwari Man;
Establishment of a town centre at the entrance of Irwin Park with a Bandstand, seating,
signage, lighting and an assembly area;
Creation of a hub for tour guides with booths for brochures of the interesting sites in
Siparia. Stalls selling merchandise for tourist and local cuisine and signs with a calendar
of events and maps showing all the interesting sites in Siparia;
Provision of benches, lights and trees around Piccong Plaza;
Provision of parking facilities and taxi stands to reduce the congestion on the main streets
especially when there was a festival;
Restoration of the Old Railway Station which is also the home of the Deltones Steel Band
Creation of an entertainment centre;
Construction of entrance features at the three main access points to the Corporation
highlighting main characteristics of the region relating to sport, culture and history;
Promotion and Way Finding signage throughout the entire Corporation;
Commencement of a listing of all sites with tourism potential in the entire region with the
view to developing all of them in subsequent phases; and
Commencement of a major domestic tourism marketing thrust to bring persons into the
area.
15
The Corporation is of the view that many of these project opportunities can be implemented by
the private sector including local businesses as well as larger companies and even NGO‟s.
2.4
Project First Phase Summary
After some study and further discussion, the Council has decided to concentrate on
A. The creation of a car parking facility (which will be leased to a private operator)and a
taxi stand facility on a State owned parcel of land comprising thirty thousand sq. ft.on the
corner of Allies and Bermudez Street next to the Health Centre in High Street Siparia.
B. The commencement of construction of an open air entertainment area with a Band Stand,
Lighting, public seating, landscaping and vendors stands – now being called the „Piccong
Plaza‟,for concerts, other entertainment and public meetings; and
C. The design and costing of three Entrance Features, one at La Brea Trace on the SS Erin
Road; a second in De Gannes Village, in the vicinity of the Iere High School and the third
in the vicinity of the TTEC substation on the Oropouche Road when entering from
Fyabad. Corporate Sponsors will be invited to install and maintainthese entrance signs.
Plates 7&8:
Location of the site for the New Transit Hub and Parking
Facility
16
Plates 9&10:
Ideas for the development of Piccong Plaza
Plates11&12:
Icons of Siparia Daisy Voisin and depiction of
Trinidad's "Banwari Man"
17
2.5
Project Justification
The decision to promote domestic tourism takes advantage of the natural opportunities that the
entire region possesses to create activities that can provide sustainable jobs both directly and
indirectly – in terms of tour guiding, the creation of lodges for short stays and production of fruit
and vegetables to supply additional persons coming into the region as well the patronisation of
small vendors and established shops. The promotion of the Region in this way also highlights the
advantages of Siparia to residents as well and encourages them to be proud of their region. The
chart from the Development Plan is reproduced to highlight these points.
Chart 2:
Guidelines for Development of a Sustainable Tourism Industry
Source: Final Draft Spatial Plan 2010
18
The creation of the „Piccong Plaza‟ and the Transit Hub and parking facility off the Main Street
and the redevelopment of Irwin Park into a major sporting facility, present opportunities for the
revitalisation of the town. It would cater to large numbers of visitors to all of the events that the
Corporation can promote in conjunction with the private sector. In addition, the town can be re
developed as funds allow, showcasing its historical, archaeological, cultural and recreational
features.
The High Street area in particular is ripe for development and the construction of a municipal
building, a new magistrate‟s court among other civic buildings could be undertaken on lands
already belonging to the State. Most of the commercial enterprises in the town are owned by
long-time residents, who could be persuaded to join the Corporation in the redevelopment of
Siparia as they begin to experience the positive change and the increased business.
2.6
Project Plan Approach
The identification of a project for development by the SRC and submission for funding approval
and drawdown had four major limitations. The Ministry of Finance in its Call Circular of March
3rd 2011, stipulated that all projects proposed for capital investment had to provide:
Information on the problems and opportunities which the project addressed;
A detailed description of the scope of the project;
Justification of the choice of the project and its output in terms of goods and services and
benefits;
Full and reliable capital and recurrent cost estimates;
Proposed implementation arrangements and
Time frames for project/programme completion.
19
While an initial Two Million Dollars was identified as Central Government‟s initial contribution
to the project, this sum had to be expended within the budget year – a difficult feat for a
Corporation to implement capital works at the speed that would be required.
In order to provide detailed information about many of the projects that the Corporation wished
to undertake related to Domestic Tourism detailed designs were required, which would have put
the project outside of the timelines. The Council found it difficult to choose one project and
opted to propose a programme of projects that could be implemented separately as funding
became available.
The Corporation does not possess sufficient organisational and human resources to undertake
significant
capital
projects.
Instead
the
Corporation
is
geared
to
perform
in
a
maintenance/sanitation environment, with some capacity to respond to emergencies and specific
councillor requests.
In addition, most of the administrative and technical staff members were stretched with their
current workload and could not provide sufficient time to this project. A strategy had to be found
to choose a project that could be implemented taking into account all of these constraints. The
approach to reach agreement on this project was one of collaboration - the Chairman, Council,
technical and administrative staff have had several meetings and formed a project team to finetune the programme and develop the aspects of the programme that would be implemented as the
first phase.
20
2.7
Budget Estimates
As a means of focusing the Council‟s definition of the project, a budget guideline was prepared
for consideration. This gave guidelines on the cost of the various tasks as defined by the project
team. The team identified the works that could be done with the budget in hand but has already
identified elements of the second phase which it hopes can be funded early in the next budget
year so that it can continue the programme of Domestic Tourism.
Table 1:
Budget Guidelines
Items
Design Competition for the Entrance Features
Construction of Retaining Walls and Drainage Works
Budget $.00
30,000
1,100,000
Construction of Transit Hub Vendors Booths
344,000
Construction of Transit Hub Washroom Facility
435,000
Engagement of Consultant for Siparia Green Fund Project
Total
91,000
2,000,000
*Items- Phase 2 to be completed over fiscal 2012/2013 and 2013
/2014
Construction and Implementation of Entrance Features
Completion of Transit Hub (Paving, Fencing, Lighting, Pedestrian
Shelter, Management Office and Security Booth)
Construction of Plaza, Bandstand, Lighting, Seating and Signage
Project Coordination Services
TOTAL
10, 000,000
21
Chart 1: Work Breakdown Schedule
22
Figure 3:
OUTLINE TIMEFRAME – SEP 2011 – 0CT 2012.
Activity
S
O
N
D
J
F
M
A
M
J
A
S
O
E
C
O
E
A
E
A
P
A
U U U
J
E
C
P
T
V
C
N
B
R
R
Y
N L
P
T
G
Review of MDP/Choice of Project
Creation of Project Team
Site Visits
Preliminary Design and finalisation of Project
Decision of Council
Draw Downs of Allocation
Completion of Designs for Transit Hub and
Entrance Features
Construction of Retaining Walls and Drainage
Works
Stakeholder Consultation/Awareness
Submission of Project Reports
Close out Activities
23
3.0 ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED
3.1
Traffic & Transportation Issues
Before building the hub, the Council should carefully consider the resulting traffic patterns, and
the implications for future movement in the area.
The identification of vacant State land so
close to the commercial area for the Hub is ideal and will allow for a pedestrian-friendly
environment. In fact it presents the opportunity for pedestrianisation of the main street in the
vicinity of the Irwin Park as a further development phase.
A common issue in towns such as Siparia is the commandeering of the entire frontage of
buildings for customer parking. . In many instances there is no sidewalk as the entire frontage of
the building is used as a driveway and for customer parking. With the new parking being
24
provided, the Council needs to consider how much additional parking is required and reduce the
loss of sidewalks to parking and in fact reduce the on street parking on the main streets.
Plates13&14:
Current Taxi and Maxi taxi stands on Irwin Park
Plates 15&16:
Current
Taxi and Maxi Stands on the
Roadways
25
Plates 17&18:
Parking on the Narrow Streets and on the sidewalks
26
3.2
Planning of the Rest of the Domestic Tourism Programme.
It is critical that this work begin immediately so as not to lose the momentum. The Corporation
must press for the redevelopment of Irwin Park as a major regional sporting facility and must
also expand its list of all potential sites in the entire region that can be upgraded to be part of this
initiative. Then a strategy for prioritizing and phasing all of the projects can begin. The
involvement of the private sector – large or small, informal or formal, is a key ingredient for
success. What is also important is a listing of infrastructural works that must be undertake in
order to make some of the projects a reality and for the Corporation to be able to request funding
and liaise with the relevant agencies for the upgrade of physical and social infrastructure so that
it is implemented in accordance with its plans.
3.3
Strategic Partners
27
The SRC has assembled a list of strategic partners to assist in the implementation of this first
phase and work with the Corporation to achieve its vision of sustainable domestic tourism
activities that would great promote local economic development in the region. These include the:
Ministry of Local Government;
Ministry of Sport;
Ministry of Works and Infrastructure;
Ministry of Transport;
Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism;
Tourism Development Company (TDC);
Siparia Chamber of Commerce (SCC);
Deltones Steel Band;
All Sporting Organisations in the Region;
All Cultural and Community Groups in the Region;
NGO‟s and Religious Bodies; and
The Primary and Secondary Schools in the Region
All of these institutions have significant roles to play in the continued development of this
initiative. The SRC must continue the discussions and widen the group of stakeholders who can
plan, fund or contribute other resources to make this vision a reality.
3.4
Human Resources
The Corporation is largely comprised of personnelwho undertake its traditional activities.
However, unlike several of the other corporations, the project team made up of the Chairman,
other Councillors and some of the administrative staff has worked well. SRC also has the
services of an architect and a historian both of whom can assist in the planning of the phases.
The Ministry of Local Government has also provided a spatial planner on a part time basis to
provide this valuable input. However, this project requires a dedicated project implementation
team for this first phase and to ensure that this project does not get derailed. In addition to the
project team presently identified,an experienced project coordinator must be hired to work full
28
time on this programme, both in terms of overseeing the tender process and especially when the
construction works are underway. In addition, there is need for a communications coordinator to
coordinate theinteraction with the stakeholders and the community.
3.5
Stakeholder Consultation and Community Interaction
The Council has not identified a large sum for these very important exercises as it intends to use
its own resources for this purpose. Apart from discussions with its key stakeholders, the SRC
will meet with the public to share its plans and receive comments and suggestions. The first of
these consultations will be held soon so that the community‟s ideas can be incorporated into the
designs.
As the domestic tourism thrust gains momentum, it is important to embark on community
awareness and education. The development of Domestic Tourism is an ambitious initiative that
the SRC has embarked upon and it is very important to get the residents of the region to
understand and participate fully in this programme. This will ensure that as many peopleas
possible are aware and can take advantage of all the opportunities that are being presented. In
addition to its own recommended communications resources it is possible that the Corporation
can rely on the expertise of the Tourism Development Company (TDC) and the communications
arms of the large corporate and industrial partners in the region.
3.6
Procurement
The Corporation considered the use of a special purpose company to undertake the entire
programme of works but as the funds are limited and there are several separate tasks, it was
agreed that a firm be hired to work with the Corporation‟s own professionals to complete the
designs and tender documents, assist in the procurement of the contractors and oversee the
works. The contractors will be procured by the Corporation, as the specific tasks in each segment
are under the CEO‟s Limit.
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4.0 CONCLUSION
The Siparia Regional Corporation has embarked on an exciting and rewarding programme that
has the potential of bringing economic development to the region both in terms of the
construction and operation of these new activities but also with the spinoff business that will
emerge.
There is great need for strategic and sustained management of the entire programme in order to
derive the maximum benefit. The challenge is to determine what would be the next phase in the
roll out of the programme that every community stands to benefit.
The involvement of the private sector, community groups and other stakeholders is crucial to the
continued success of this initiative. Therefore the Corporation will require urgent discussion with
all its various partners and must also demonstrate that it is able to implement this first phase and
thus dispel the scepticism that would accompany the preparatory and initial construction works.
The Corporation however has demonstrated its readiness to take on its task and is likely to
receive its funding and implement this first phase in the time frame allotted.
30