Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Spatial
Transcription
Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Spatial
Sangre Grande Regional Municipality Final Draft Municipal Development Plan (2010-2020) Excelling as a Premier International Eco-Tourism Destination FMDEARE Prepared by Kairi Consultants Limited on behalf of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation [Type the company name] [Pick the date] Sangre Grande Regional Municipality Final Draft Municipal Development Plan (2010 – 2020) “Excelling as a Premier International Eco-Tourism Destination” Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Ramdass Street, Sangre Grande Telephone: (868) 668-2488 or 668-2461; (868) 668-2492 Email: [email protected] Prepared by Kairi Consultants Limited 14 Cochrane Street, Tunapuna, Trinidad and Tobago (868-663 2677/1442; [email protected]) 2 Foreword Ronald Boynes Chairman, Sangre Grande Regional Municipality i The Sangre Grande Regional Development Plan has been prepared in collaboration with the following partners: Private Sector and NGO and Community Sector Organisations: NGO and Community Sector Private Sector M2M Fishing Pond Turtle Conservation Group Grande Riviere SAD for Toco Toco Foundation Nature Seekers Rampanalgas Village Council Balandra Environmental and Nature Tour group St Andrew/St David Association of Village and Community Councils BHP Billiton National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago ii • Including Various State Government Ministries and Statutory Agencies: 1. Environmental Management Authority 2. Evolving TecKnologies and Development Company Limited 12. Ministry of Tourism 3. Housing Development Corporation 14. Public Transport Service Corporation 4. Institute of Marine Affaiirs 15. National Entrepreneurship Development Company 5. Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources – Head Office, Land Administration Division, Land and Surveys Division, Forestry Division, Regional Administration North, Grow Box Project 16. National Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme Enterprise 13. Ministry of Works and Transport - Traffic Management Branch, Highways Division, Drainage Division 17. Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management 18. Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago 6. National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited Ministry of Education 19. Tourism Tobago Development Company of Trinidad 7. Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries Minerals Division and Energy Planning and Research 20. Town and Country Planning Division 21. Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards 8. Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs 23. Trinidad and Tobago Company Limited 9. Ministry of Health 24. Water and Sewerage Authority and 22. Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission Solid 10. Ministry of Public Utilities 11. Ministry of Social Development – Division of Ageing iii Waste Management Contents Foreword ........................................................................................................... i Contents ........................................................................................................... iv Tables..............................................................................................................viii Figures.............................................................................................................. ix Acronyms and Abbreviations ........................................................................x Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1 Background ............................................................................................................................ 1 Purpose and Scope of the Plan ............................................................................................... 2 Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 3 Stakeholder Engagement and Participation....................................................................... 4 Related Planning Initiatives .................................................................................................. 5 Tunapuna/Piarco Municipal Development Plan................................................................. 6 Arima Municipal Development Plan .................................................................................. 7 Mayaro/Rio Claro Municipal Development Plan ................................................................ 8 Structure of the Plan .............................................................................................................. 8 Context and Strategic Analysis .................................................................. 10 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 10 Overview of Existing Conditions and Trends....................................................................... 10 Legislative and Institutional Framework ......................................................................... 10 Planning Framework ........................................................................................................ 11 Physical and Biological Dimensions ................................................................................. 11 Socioeconomic Dimensions................................................................................................ 17 Land Use and Economic Activity ...................................................................................... 19 Transportation .................................................................................................................. 20 Physical and Social Infrastructure ................................................................................... 23 SWOT Analysis .................................................................................................................... 23 Social Issues ......................................................................................................................... 24 Economic Issues ................................................................................................................... 25 Environmental Issues .......................................................................................................... 25 iv Infrastructural ..................................................................................................................... 25 Administrative ..................................................................................................................... 26 Strategic Framework .................................................................................... 27 Sangre Grande’s Role in National Spatial Development ..................................................... 27 Development Goal, Strategic Vision and Direction .............................................................. 28 Development Goal ............................................................................................................. 28 Vision ................................................................................................................................ 29 Development Objectives.................................................................................................... 29 Development Strategy .......................................................................................................... 30 A Balanced Growth Strategy ............................................................................................ 30 Broad Spatial Context ...................................................................................................... 30 Population Dynamics of Sangre Grande ........................................................................... 31 The Overall Strategy ........................................................................................................ 32 Spatial Development Framework ..................................................................................... 34 Thematic Policies and Proposals ............................................................... 36 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 36 Urban Design (UD)............................................................................................................... 37 Urban Design Framework ................................................................................................ 37 Policy Objective ................................................................................................................. 39 Urban Design Policies and Proposals ............................................................................... 39 Environmental Management (EM) ...................................................................................... 44 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 44 Policy Objective ................................................................................................................. 46 Policies and Proposals....................................................................................................... 46 Economic Development (ED) ................................................................................................ 63 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 63 Policy Objectives ............................................................................................................... 63 Policies and Proposals....................................................................................................... 64 Transportation (TP).............................................................................................................. 77 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 77 Policy Objective ................................................................................................................. 78 Policies and Proposals....................................................................................................... 78 Housing (HU) ....................................................................................................................... 86 v Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 86 Policy Objective ................................................................................................................. 86 Policies and Proposals....................................................................................................... 87 Social and Community Amenities and Services (SC) ........................................................... 90 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 90 Policy Objective ................................................................................................................. 90 Policies and Proposals....................................................................................................... 90 Infrastructure and Public Utilities (IP) ............................................................................... 99 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 99 Policy Objective ............................................................................................................... 100 Policies and Proposals..................................................................................................... 100 Institutional Strengthening (IS) ........................................................................................ 106 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 106 Policy Objective ............................................................................................................... 106 Policies and Proposals..................................................................................................... 107 Municipal Management (MM)............................................................................................ 110 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 110 Policy Objective ............................................................................................................... 110 Policies and Proposals..................................................................................................... 110 District Policies and Proposals ................................................................113 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 113 Common Polices ................................................................................................................. 114 District Polices and Proposals ............................................................................................ 115 Town of Sangre Grande (TG) .......................................................................................... 115 Greater Sangre Grande (GS) .......................................................................................... 120 Matura to Matelot (MT) .................................................................................................. 122 Valencia (VA) .................................................................................................................. 127 Greater Tamana (GT) ..................................................................................................... 131 Manzanilla (MA) ............................................................................................................. 134 Fishing Pond/North Manzanilla (FM) ............................................................................ 138 Implementation ............................................................................................140 Implementation Mechanisms ............................................................................................. 140 Management of Development............................................................................................. 140 vi Funding .............................................................................................................................. 141 Community Participation in the Development Process ..................................................... 141 Programmes and Projects................................................................................................... 142 Monitoring and Review ...................................................................................................... 142 vii Tables Table 1: Sangre Grande Population Statistics by Community ................................................ 17 Table 2: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats ................................................. 23 Table 3: Distribution of Population by Communities 2000 and 2020 ...................................... 32 Table 4: Protected Areas in Sangre Grande .......................................................................... 49 Table 5: Tourism Resources within the Municipality of Sangre Grande ................................ 51 Table 6: Food Basket Designated Areas in the Sangre Grande Municipality ......................... 69 Table 7: Priority Roads in Need of Improvement in the Short Term ...................................... 80 Table 8: Population, Household and Dwelling Units, 2000 and 2020 ..................................... 87 Table 9: Water Demand for Sangre Grande, 2020................................................................. 101 viii Figures Figure 1: Location of Sangre Grande in the Trinidad and Tobago Context .............................. 2 Figure 2: Stages of the Regional Development Planning Process ............................................. 5 Figure 3: The Sub-Regions and Communities of Sangre Grande ............................................ 13 Figure 4: Land Use in Sangre Grande Town and Valencia ..................................................... 21 Figure 5: Generalised Land Use and Major Committed Developments .................................. 22 Figure 6: Land Use Proposals for the Municipality of Sangre Grande ................................... 35 ix Acronyms and Abbreviations Acronym/Abbreviation Definition CCTV Close Circuit Television CBO Community Based Organisation CEC Certificate of Environmental Clearance CHR Churchill Roosevelt Highway COP Commissioner of Police ECCECs Early Childhood Care and Education Centres ED Economic Development EM Environmental Management EMA Environmental Management Authority EMR Eastern Main Road e TecK Evolving TecKnologies and Enterprise Development Company Limited HU Housing IDP Integrated Development Planning IMA Institute of Marine Affairs IP Infrastructure and Public Utilities IS Institutional Strengthening LEAP Land-related Education and Awareness Programme LSA Land Settlement Agency MALMR Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources MCA Municipal Corporations Act MCDCGA Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs MLG Ministry of Local Government MM Municipal Management MOE Ministry of Education MOWT Ministry of Works and Transport x Acronym/Abbreviation Definition MPHE Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment MSTTE Ministry of Education MSYA Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs M2M Matura and then along the coast to Matelot NCDP National Conceptual Development Plan NEP National Environmental Policy NGO Non-Government organisation NPDP National Physical Development Plan NRWR The National Reforestation Rehabilitation Programme NSS National Spatial Strategy ODPM Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management PATT Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago PSIP Public Sector Investment Programme PTSC Public Transport Service Corporation PURE People United Respecting the Environment PWPs People with Disabilities RDC Rural Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited RDP Regional Development Plan SC Social and Community Amenities and Services SDP Spatial Development Plan SGRC Sangre Grande Regional Corporation SWMCOL Solid Waste Management Company Limited SWOT Strengths, Weakness, Opportunity and Threats TCP Town and Country Planning TCPD Town and Country Planning Division TDC Tourism Development Company Limited Trinidad and Tobago Science, Technology and and xi Tertiary Watershed Acronym/Abbreviation Definition TMB Traffic Management Branch TP Transportation TRRTS Trinidad Rapid Rail Transit System T&TEC Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission TTPS Trinidad and Tobago Police Services UD Urban Design UFW Unaccounted-For-Water URP Unemployment Relief Programme UTT University of Trinidad and Tobago UWI University of the West Indies WASA Water and Sewerage Authority WSMP Water Sector Modernisation Programme WWMP Water and Wastewater Master Plan xii xiii Introduction Background The importance of the Sangre Grande Regional Municipality lies in its vast natural resources and its potential for the establishment of sustainable resource-based development. The Municipality, as shown in Figure 1, covers the northeast corner of Trinidad. It is noted for its agriculture, fishing, mining deposits of mainly sand and gravel, and for its vast eco-tourism potential. More recently, the exploitation of oil and gas in the waters off its coastline has added to its list of natural resources. Within the Region also lies the Sangre Grande town centre, one of the largest population centres in East Trinidad, an area targeted for economic growth and expansion. Though noted as the poorest Municipality within Trinidad and Tobago, over the years the people of Sangre Grande have shown their resilience, creativity and independence by creating a model for community and regional development utilising the surrounding natural resources in their midst for which their Region has become internationally known. Despite its potential for sustainable development, there are number of socioeconomic priorities which must be addressed as the Region moves forward. However, a number of developments proposed both within and just outside its borders could provide the much needed impetus for positive growth and development of the Municipality. This is the context in which the Draft Sangre Grande Municipality Regional Development Plan (RDP) has been prepared in keeping with the mandate of the Ministry of Local Government (MLG) for the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation (SGRC) to formulate a development plan for the Municipality. This is part of an overall programme to cover the landscape of Trinidad with regional comprehensive development plans to address the issues of the Municipalities which the various 1 Municipal Corporations and other agencies need to handle in the discharge of their functions. Figure 1: Location of Sangre Grande in the Trinidad and Tobago Context Purpose and Scope of the Plan The Draft Plan provides a sustainable regional development framework for the Sangre Grande Municipality from 2011 to 2020 and beyond to accommodate and guide development and the spatial distribution of social, economic, cultural, infrastructural and environmental activities of its burgesses and partner agencies operating within its boundaries. The Plan has been formulated following a series of consultations and dialogues with various stakeholders within the Municipality and agencies operating in the Municipality on issues which need to be addressed in the Plan. The RDP will set the framework for the formulation of detailed policies and local area plans for areas that require more elaborate treatment. To facilitate early and well-informed solutions to the problems that beset the Region, the RDP goes a step further to include a number of concrete projects through which the Municipal Corporation and other partner agencies will be able to implement the policies on which the Plan is based. The projects can be included in the annual budgetary allocations of the Corporation, and the implementing agencies established under the MLG such as the Rural Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (RDC), and in the national Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). The RDP provides details on the distribution of the population over the Region until 2020, and broad land use allocations including the general location of land to 2 accommodate population increases expected over the next decade, as well as social, economic, cultural, infrastructural and environmental initiatives to be undertaken in the Municipality. Mechanisms through which the Plan is to be implemented are also outlined. Methodology The approach to the preparation of the Draft RDP involved the five distinct phases as summarised in Figure 2. These key phases are as follows: 1. Orientation: This consisted of discussions between the SGRC and the Regional Planning Consultant (Kairi Consultants); a rapid reconnaissance survey of the Municipality (including the review of relevant secondary information and field visits); and finalisation of the spatial development planning process, including the stakeholder engagement and public consultation process. 2. Survey and Analysis: Involved an extensive review of collected information and data; the conduct of several specialist studies, including a „windscreen‟ land and building use survey in strategic urban centres; and consultations with public sector agencies and other stakeholders of the Municipality. A first Stakeholder Consultation was held during this phase. 3. Data Analysis and Synthesis: Analysis and synthesis of data, at the end of which key development planning issues and problems were identified. 4. Scenario Planning: The phase usually involves the generation of alternative development scenarios with potential to address the issues, followed by an assessment of these alternatives and the selection of the preferred option. However, the Municipality of Sangre Grande over the last two years has been in the middle of socioeconomic development planning process out of which an Integrated Development Plan had been prepared. It is during this phase that the two development planning processes were dovetailed. The outcomes of the first Stakeholder Consultation and the Integrated Development Plan were used to formulate a selected scenario in keeping with the wishes of the stakeholders consulted. 3 5. Plan Development: Preparation of the Draft RDP based upon the scenario preferred by stakeholders participating in the second Stakeholder Consultation. Thematic proposals were prepared based on Regional and Urban Form and Design, Environmental Management (including disaster management and climate change); Economic Development; Social and Community Services and Facilities; Transportation; Physical Infrastructure; Institutional Strengthening; and Municipal Management. Policies and proposals are also formulated at the level of the nine designated sub-regions within the Municipality. A public consultation is to be held to present and review the plan and to gain feedback on its contents. The results of this review process will be used to finalise the final Draft Plan. Stakeholder Engagement and Participation Stakeholder participation was an integral part of the process, and involved discussions with individual Local Government Councillors, the administrative and technical heads of sections at the SGRC, government departments and statutory agencies, public sector and non-government organisation (NGO) and community sector agencies and individuals, on the challenges and future development of the Municipality. Also included were public consultations at which burgesses and agencies working in the Municipality were able to articulate and agree on the manner in which the Municipality will develop over the long term. 4 Phase One Orientation Phase Two Survey & Analysis Phase Three Data Analysis & Synthesis Phase Four Scenario Planning Phase Five Plan Development Meetings between SGCRC and Consultant Stakeholder Consultations - Individual Meetings with Councillors, Technical & Administrative Staff, Central Government, Statutory Agencies, Private & NGO/CBO Sectors Background Studies (Identification of Issues & Challenges) - Land & Building Use, Socioeconomic, Tranportation, Infrastructure & Public Utilities , Environment, Legislative & Institutional Conduct of Stakeholder Consultations Conduct of Further Stakeholder Consultations Finalisation of Preferred Scenario Based on the Feedback from the Consultations Development of Strategies, Land Use Plan, Proposals & Projects, Implementation Plan Background Studies (Existing Conditions) Land & Building Use, Socioeconomic, Tranportation, Infrastructure & Public Utilities , Environment, Legislative & Institutional SWOT Analysis Assessment of Potential Implications of the Preferred Scenario Preparation of First Draft RDP Conduct of rapid reconnaissance Survey Review of Secondary Information & Field Visits Finalising the Regional Development Planning Process Preparation of Situational Report 1 Presentation of Draft RDP to the Public Preparation of Situational Report 2 Preparation of Stakeholder Engagement & Public Consultaion Report Identification of Vision, Goals & Objectives Completion of Final Draft RDP Figure 2: Stages of the Regional Development Planning Process for the Sangre Grande Municipality Public Consultations Two public consultations are part of the process. The first public consultation was undertaken to formulate a Vision for future development of the Municipality, to identify the key challenges which must be addressed and possible strategies which should be implemented to realise this shared Vision for the Municipality. This consultation was attended by 69 persons and included the Member of Parliament for Toco/Sangre Grande, the Chairman and other members of the SGRC Council, and representatives of NGO and community sector organisations. The second upcoming consultation will be held to present and obtain feedback on the Draft RDP which will be used to prepare a final draft version of the Plan. Related Planning Initiatives Development activity, existing and proposed at the national level as a whole and in adjacent Municipalities, would impact the development and use of land in Sangre Grande and vice versa. The municipalities adjacent to the Municipality of Sangre Grande are Tunapuna/Piarco, Mayaro/Rio Claro and Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo. Moreover, many residents in Valencia and Sangre Grande look to Arima for services and therefore any significant development in Arima would also impact on the Municipality. There is also a probability of imminent boundary changes which will further influence the Municipality. 5 The national context is contained in various planning instruments including the statutory National Physical Development Plan Trinidad and Tobago (NPDP) of 1980. Regional planning initiatives currently underway for the Borough of Arima, and the Municipalities of Tunapuna/Piarco, Mayaro/Rio Claro, and Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo are also relevant. The following shows the main strategic directions for neighbouring Municipalities, as outlined in the respective Draft RDPs. Tunapuna/Piarco Spatial Development Plan Tunapuna/Piarco includes the 416.5-hectare site of the Tamana InTech Park, a light industrial estate with an academic and research component that includes the main campus of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). The completely built-out Park is projected to contain a population of around 12,000 persons in addition to a university population of 8,000. Another approximately 2,500 to 3,000 persons are expected to be engaged in providing services to the Park.1 This development will exert a tremendous influence upon Arima whether or not Wallerfield is incorporated into the area to be managed by an Arima City Corporation. Other major development proposals in Tunapuna/Piarco that would impact the spatial development of Arima include HDC plans for an extension to the La Horquetta residential development; and proposals by Home Construction Limited (HCL) to continue the implementation of the Millennium Vision development at Trincity to include multiple-family residential development on sites totalling approximately 24 hectares. The broad spatial development framework for Tunapuna/Piarco as proposed in the draft SDP involves the allocation of the land in the Municipality to 2020 as follows: Conservation Forestry over the entire Northern Range system within with the possible exception of low-impact forms of agriculture in limited areas, and infilling and limited expansion of existing settlements; Agriculture on all of the undeveloped land between the CRH and the southern boundary of the Municipality, new development within this area being restricted to consolidation and limited expansion of the settlements to the south of the Caroni River; Intensified urban development in the East West Corridor; Mixed development in the southern portion of the Wallerfield community to include the Tamana InTech Park, housing and support activities, and agriculture; and Tamana InTech Park Community Development Plan and Transportation Report, Volume 1, All-Inclusive Project Development Services Limited (APDSL). 1 6 A hierarchy of centres at the apex of which is Tunapuna as Regional Centre; and including Trincity and Wallerfield as Sub-Regional Centres. Development of a University Town consisting of St Joseph-Curepe-St. Augustine. The strategy of Dispersed Concentration on which the SDP is based will see economic activity dispersed to the smaller centres within the region including Blanchisseuse, La Laja, Aripo and Brasso Seco which currently are more oriented to Arima than they are to the centres in Tunapuna/Piarco. Road improvements proposed in the Plan include the upgrade of the Arima-Blanchisseuse Road. Arima Spatial Development Plan Many of the policies and proposals in the Draft Arima SDP require the necessary resources of the surrounding Municipality for their implementation. The Plan is based upon the Eco-Cultural City Concept a „resource oriented and ecological‟ approach to development‟2. Three of the communities that are currently in Tunapuna/Piarco are proposed to be annexed to the Borough under the strategy, namely, Maturita, Olton Road, and Santa Rosa Heights. Elements of the strategy include strengthening of the traditional role of Arima as an important regional service centre in north east Trinidad. Investment in nature and cultural tourism and other sustainable economic activities is to be promoted in order to enhance and conserve the natural and cultural assets of the town and its environs and to broaden the economic base. Policies most relevant to Tunapuna/Piarco, and dependent upon the resources contained within its boundaries would ensure the following: Optimisation of the conservation and use of areas and features of high landscape and amenity value including Cleaver Woods Recreation Park, Arima Blanchisseuse Road, and the foothills of the Northern Range; Promotion of research and development activities in order to create and refine new technologies and products through, inter alia, development of a relationship between the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and Evolving TecKnologies and Enterprise Development Company Limited (e TecK) regarding the introduction of structured research activities at O‟Meara EcoIndustrial Park; and Development of functional links and complementary research and development activities between the Eco-Industrial Park and the Tamana InTech Park at Wallerfield. 2 Draft Arima SDP prepared by Kairi Consultants Limited 7 Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Development Plan The Plan is based on the Concentrated Focus on Selected Centres Strategy which promotes spatial equity where development will be distributed across the Municipality, but with emphasis on Rio Claro, Mayaro, Biche and Guayaguayare, and Rio Claro having the dominant role as the Municipal centre, and Mayaro as a smaller but more prominent centre. The strategy attempts to counter the tendency for mono-centric development in Rio Claro, not by weakening the role and functions of that centre, but rather by bringing fresh State and private investment into the other identified centres, particularly Mayaro, Biche and Guayaguayare in order to improve their competitiveness, their ability to provide a better level of socio-economic activity and services and improve the quality of life for all residents. Many of the policies and proposals in the Draft Mayaro/Rio Claro RDP require utilisation of the natural resource base of the Municipality for their implementation. Some of the policies are as follows: Conservation and use of some of these areas and features of high landscape, cultural and aesthetic value in the development of a vibrant tourism/ecotourism sector; The revitalisation of agriculture through an improvement of infrastructure, strengthened marketing system and facilities for farmers, and development of agro- and fish-processing industries – The development of an industrial park in Rio Claro mainly catering for agro-processing activities; The repositioning of Guayaguayare as a port town, through the development of the Galeota Port and fishing facilities; and The provision of a basic level of social and community amenities facilities in all communities consistent with the creation of sustainable communities; caters to the needs of all regardless of gender, age and ability; and promotes social cohesiveness. Structure of the Plan The Draft RDP for the Sangre Grande Municipality comprises this Written Statement and a series of Annexes and Maps. This Plan sets the context for development; includes the strategic framework for the sustainable development of Sangre Grande; and provides detailed Thematic and District Policies and Proposals to be implemented over the next 10 years. Annex One provides a detailed analysis of the existing situation within the Municipality, including an account of its natural assets, socioeconomic conditions, local government administration structure, and the challenges currently affecting and likely to affect its future development. 8 Annex Two outlines the three scenarios for future development, the results of evaluation of the alternative scenarios and a future description of the selected development alternative. Annex Three describes the stakeholder consultation process, what stakeholders said and provides recommendations for future participatory development planning activities in the Municipality. 9 Context and Strategic Analysis Introduction This Chapter outlines the principal national policy documents that have been used to inform and guide the preparation of the Draft Sangre Grande RDP and provides the Regional Context for the Plan. Further details are provided in Appendix One: Situational Report One - Survey and Analysis. Overview of Existing Conditions and Trends Legislative and Institutional Framework Land use planning guidance is provided by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, Chapter 35:01 which is the enactment utilised by the Minister through the Town and Country Planning Division (TCPD) to regulate and control land use and land development in Trinidad and Tobago. The Act makes provision for the orderly and progressive development of land in the country and requires the Minister (with responsibility for town and country planning) to carry out a survey of the entire country and to submit for the approval of Parliament a development plan indicating the manner in which it is proposed to utilise the land. The Environmental Management Act (Act No 3 of 2000) is the principal enactment regulating and controlling environmental management by the Environmental Management Authority. The main link between environmental management and development planning is via the Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) Rules, 2001 which guide the assessment of development projects which are anticipated to have a significant impact upon the environment. 10 The Municipal Corporations Act (MCA) No. 21 of 1990 makes provision for regional planning and physical development, and provides the basis for devolution of authority to the Corporations. Several of the responsibilities assigned to the municipalities under this legislation have not been assumed, including the responsibility for physical planning which is still that of the Minister. While the EMA has overall responsibility for environmental management, there are a number of Government and Statutory agencies with responsibility for specific functions relating to land use development and environmental management. The non-governmental organisation (NGO) and community sector is also a significant element in promoting sound environmental management at local, regional, and national levels. Planning Framework The plan is being prepared within the context of a number of plans and policy instruments, the most significant of which are: National Physical Development Plan (NPDP), which is the only statutory guide to land use and development at the national level, and which designated Arima as a Sub-Regional Centre; Vision 2020 Draft National Strategic Plan, which is based upon an overarching vision for Trinidad and Tobago for “successful national development resulting in a high quality of life for all our citizens”; and National Spatial Strategy – NSS (2007) a strategy for the spatial development of the country to 2020 based upon Government‟s plans to achieve developed country status by that year. Physical and Biological Dimensions The Municipality of Sangre Grande is situated in northeast Trinidad and is bounded on the south by the Mayaro/Rio Claro Municipality and on the southwest by Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo and Tunapuna/Piarco on the west. The Region is fringed by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and with a series of bays, and by the Caribbean Sea in the north. Sangre Grande covers approximately 898.9 kilometres squared. Figure 1 indicates the location and boundaries of Sangre Grande. The Municipality is largely rural in character with 41 communities which are located along the major arterial network and at their main intersections. The Region can be divided into seven socio-economic spheres (Figure 3), namely: The Town of Sangre Grande (Sangre Grande Proper) which is the central node, in terms of being a hub and business district for most of the 11 Municipality lying to the east of Valencia, and to the south, east and northeast; Greater Sangre Grande made up of the seven communities surrounding the town of Sangre Grande, and Coal Mine, Sangre Chiquito, Turure, Maraj Hill, Guaico ,Oropouche and Cunaripo; M2M communities which comprise 15 communities to the northeast, from Matura and then along the coast to Matelot, also engaged in agriculture, fishing and more recently in eco-tourism; The conurbation of Valencia, which is oriented to the East-West Corridor. Melajo and the remote Northern Range community of Cumaca form part of this sub-region; Greater Tamana which is made up of the southern communities undulating towards the lower reaches of the Central Range of Trinidad and northern to the EMR, engaged in agriculture, and other rural pursuits; Manzanilla comprising four communities to the east and southeast of the Sangre Grande town centre, engaged in agriculture and fishing and strung out along the Main Road heading east and then southeast to Mayaro and to Biche; and Fishing Pond/North Manzanilla comprising four communities to the east of the town of Sangre Grande engaged mainly in agriculture, fishing and ecotourism activities. 12 Figure 3: The Sub-Regions and Communities of Sangre Grande 13 Topography and Drainage The Municipality of Sangre Grande falls within three of the five physiographic zones of Trinidad, namely the Northern Range, the Northern Basin, and the Central Range. The Northern Range is the prominent landform in North Sangre Grande, is an extension of the Southern American Andean Mountain System. Some of the highest peaks within the Range found in the Sangre Grande Municipality are El Cerro Del Oropouche rising to 658 metres and Zapaya at 374 metres. Both the Caroni and North Oropouche Rivers which drain the Northern and Central Ranges through a series of tributaries, form part of the Sangre Grande Region. A significant proportion of the Municipality falls within the Northern Basin, extending from the foothills of the Northern Range to those of the Central Range, consisting of the floodplains and alluvial flats of Oropouche River system and the Northern Terraces and Las Lomas Peneplain. The remaining sections of the Municipality form part of the Central Range with its highest peaks reaching to 300 metres in the Montserrat District, 290 metres at Mount Harris and 335 metres at Mount Tamara. Geology and Geological Resources The three main groups of geological materials found in the northern section of the Municipality of Sangre Grande are metamorphic and sedimentary rocks (made up essentially of schists, phyllites and limestones), and alluvial deposits. The only igneous rocks observed in Trinidad are the volcanic, found exposed along the north coast in the Sans Souci area. The North Basin and Central Range within the Sangre Grande are mainly sedimentary in nature. The main economic mineral resources within the Municipality are made up of veins of blue and yellow limestone found in Northern Range; extensive deposits of the "Melajo" and "Guanapo" gravels which occur from Wallerfield through to Valencia to Matura; and quartzitic sands found throughout this Region including a valuable deposit of silica sand at Matura which is used to manufacture glass. Sand and gravel of various grades are quarried for use in the construction industry. Soils and Land Capability There are a high number of soil types per unit area within Sangre Grande with some 43 of the total 120 soil types found in Trinidad and Tobago occupying the Region. The soils in Sangre Grande can be divided into three broad groups: soils of the uplands; soils of the terraces and subsidiary ranges; and soils of the alluvial flats, plains and valleys. The soils of the Northern Range are usually upland soils with free internal drainage and small pockets of alluvial and terrace soils. Terrace soils dominate as one moves from the foothills of the Northern Range to the Northern Basin, while alluvial soils are found in deep bands along the rivers as they travel east 14 to the Atlantic. These soils have very poor internal drainage, are acidic and low in plant nutrients. The southern regions of the Municipality are dominated by the clayey upland soils which have restricted internal drainage, ranging from being only slightly acidic to moderately to strongly acidic. Some have good supply of nutrients. Clayey soils are the main alluvial soil found along the banks of the northern tributaries of the North Oropouche River, the southern tributaries draining the Central Range. These alluvial soils have poor internal drainage, are acidic in nature with low to moderate supplies of plant nutrients. Two hydromorphic soils with restricted internal drainage are found in lower Manzanilla, while a sandy soil occupies the beachfront locations. Most of the lands in Northern Range are classified as VII that is they are unsuitable for agriculture due to very steep slopes and should remain in indigenous or forest vegetation. At the north eastern tip of the Range from Sans Souci to Balandra, the soils were classified between IV and VI which make them best suited for tree and fruit crops or indigenous/forest vegetation. The terrace soils on the foothills and flatlands north of the Oropouche River are classified as Class VI soils, that is, they should be left under forest or indigenous growth. The alluvial soils along the tributaries of the North Oropouche River and the upland soils in the Central Range are the best agricultural soils in the Municipality ranging from Class II (north tributaries of the North Oropouche River), Class III (the south tributaries) and Class IV (upland soils in the Central Range, Cunaripo, Tamana, etc.). Water Resources Sangre Grande is one of the most important surface water sources for Trinidad and so the protection of this Region is, therefore, vital and of strategic interest to the country. The Caroni and North Oropouche Rivers are two major river systems which drain the lands of the Northern Range and Northern Basin of Trinidad. They are major overland sources of potable water and are important resources for agricultural production, industrial activities and for recreational activities. Most of the Oropouche River system is found in Sangre Grande. There are four major and seven minor traditional aquifer systems in the Municipality. There is potential in the area for the development of mega-watershed aquifers. Coastal and Nearshore Resources Coastal areas encompass both terrestrial and marine resources as well as ecosystems lying at the land-sea interface such as river deltas, wetlands, beaches and dunes, lagoons, estuaries, coral reefs and offshore embankments. In total, Trinidad has 420 kilometres of coastline3 of which 24 percent (or 101 kilometres) is 3 As quoted by United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation – Fisheries and Aquaculture Department. 15 found within the Sangre Grande Municipality. However, only a small portion of the population of the Municipality lives on the coast. There are nine wetlands in the Sangre Grande Municipality; the two of note are the North Oropouche and a small section of the Nariva Swamp. The North Coast consists essentially of a series of cliffs and headlands interspersed with small bays, some of which are inaccessible by land. In all there are 14 such small bays along the North Coast of Sangre Grande; among the more famous are Matelot Bay, Grande Riviere Bay, Sans Souci Bay, Toco Bay and Salybia Bay. The vistas along the North Coast make it a location of appreciable aesthetical value. The East Coast is less precipitous and the headlands and bays are smaller and more numerous. The East Coast is also spectacular and varied with three main stretches of low coast separated by Manzanilla Point and Radix Point. Biological Resources and Biodiversity A significant proportion of the country‟s biodiversity is found in Sangre Grande. More than 40 percent of the land area is protected by legislation. There are some 18 protected areas in the Region representing various ecosystems. One notable forest type found extensively in east Trinidad, with one location in Sangre Grande (near Matura), is the mora forest, which is dominated largely by Mora excelsa. In addition, the Municipality is home to some 15 of the country‟s endemic plant species. In addition, the Region is home to many bird species, including the Trinidad Piping Guan (Pawi or Pipile pipile). The Nariva Swamp has the most varied vegetation of all wetlands in Trinidad and Tobago, with distinct zones of swamp forest, palm swamp, herbaceous swamp and mangrove woodlands. The Nariva Swamp is a critical habitat for the manatee (sea cow) and several species of waterfowls. The Region‟s beaches are nesting sites for the endangered and protected Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys Coriacea). Only one coral reef can be described in Trinidad and that is Salybea Reef in Toco. Fisheries are an important source of livelihood for many coastal communities and this is so for coastal communities of Sangre Grande. On the Northeast coast, sea grass communities can be found at Salybia. Hazard Susceptibility Sangre Grande, like the rest of Trinidad and Tobago, is subject to a number of disasters, including tropical storms and hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, forest fires, storm surge and tsunamis, mud volcanoes, and chemical emergencies. The Region is particularly vulnerable to land slippage, flooding and high winds. Areas along the Oropouche River and tributaries in the Tamana area are most prone to flooding. Soil erosion and massive land movement are also major occurrences and as a result landslip damage is common along major access roads – Naparima/Mayaro 16 Road and the Cunapo Southern Main Road. In addition, coastal erosion is a significant problem along the entire coast, but is particularly worrisome along the North Coast. Socioeconomic Dimensions Population and Labour Force According to the 2000 Central Statistical Office (CSO) Community Register, the population of the Municipality was at 65,807 persons, or just 5.21 percent of the population of Trinidad and Tobago in 2000. Table 1 shows the distribution of population and households across the Municipality. Most of the population is located in the town of Sangre Grande (27.59 percent) and Valencia (12.4 percent). All other communities account for less than 10 percent. Except for the Sangre Grande town itself, the Municipality had a density of under 250 persons per square kilometre at Census 2000. Table 1: Sangre Grande Population Statistics by Community Community No. of House holds Population 184 % Male 50 % Female 50 No. of Dwelling Units Community Share of Total Municipality Ratio of Households to Dwelling Units 118 0.56 89.0 Anglais Settlement 105 Both Sexes 367 Balandra 43 172 93 79 54 46 101 0.26 42.6 Biche 36 157 79 78 50 50 85 0.24 42.4 Brooklyn Settlement 69 303 166 137 55 45 92 0.46 75.0 Caigual 95 344 174 170 51 49 146 0.52 65.1 Carmichael 125 449 242 207 54 46 54 0.68 231.5 Coal Mine 481 1,848 941 907 51 49 535 2.81 89.9 Coryal 269 1,208 658 550 54 46 288 1.84 93.4 Cumaca 26 117 60 57 51 49 38 0.18 68.4 Cumana 344 1,146 618 528 54 46 436 1.74 78.9 Cumuto 906 3,625 1851 1774 51 49 979 5.51 92.5 Cunaripo 479 1,999 1014 985 51 49 520 3.04 92.1 Fishing Pond 699 2,744 1408 1336 51 49 733 4.17 95.4 Four RoadsTamana 179 666 332 334 50 50 195 1.01 91.8 Grand Riviere 116 334 184 150 55 45 161 0.51 72.0 Guaico 793 3,043 1517 1526 50 50 762 4.62 104.1 Male Female 183 17 Table 1: Sangre Grande Population Statistics by Community Community No. of House holds Population % Female 47 Community Share of Total Municipality Ratio of Households to Dwelling Units 129 0.66 89.1 Guatopajaro 115 Both Sexes 432 Howsen Village 130 498 258 240 52 48 156 0.76 83.3 L'Anse Noire 130 498 258 240 52 48 147 0.76 88.4 Mahoe 23 75 45 30 60 40 56 0.11 41.1 Manzanilla 586 2,159 1146 1013 53 47 682 3.28 85.9 Maraj Hill 349 1,445 724 721 50 50 384 2.20 90.9 Matelot 151 523 293 230 56 44 208 0.79 72.6 Matura 383 1,445 753 692 52 48 436 2.20 87.8 Melajo 134 479 264 215 55 45 158 0.73 84.8 Mission 75 288 153 135 53 47 117 0.44 64.1 Monte Video 42 153 85 68 56 44 66 0.23 63.6 Morin Bay 86 318 171 147 54 46 103 0.48 83.5 North Manzanilla 103 301 157 144 52 48 138 0.46 74.6 Oropuche 418 1,720 895 825 52 48 494 2.61 84.6 Plum Mitan 398 1,575 852 723 54 46 445 2.39 89.4 Rampanalgas 87 387 203 184 52 48 143 0.59 60.8 Salybia Village Sans Souci 61 224 129 95 58 42 103 0.34 59.2 163 535 309 226 58 42 199 0.81 81.9 Sangre Chiquito 783 3,248 1619 1629 50 50 816 4.94 96.0 Sangre Grande 4,669 18,157 9116 9041 50 50 4947 27.59 94.4 Tamana 399 1,598 828 770 52 48 435 2.43 91.7 Toco 343 1,133 585 548 52 48 458 1.72 74.9 Tompire 46 148 85 63 57 43 61 0.22 75.4 Turure 417 1,730 886 844 51 49 435 2.63 95.9 Valencia 2,127 8,173 4193 3980 51 49 2186 12.42 97.3 Socially Displaced Persons 0 43 41 2 95 5 0 0.07 0.0 16,983 65,807 33,7 96 32,011 Total 204 % Male 53 No. of Dwelling Units Male Female 228 18,745 Source: Community Register 2000, CSO 18 The labour statistics collected as part of the 2000 Population and Housing Census showed that the municipal labour force is made up principally of agricultural workers and workers in elementary occupations, together accounting for over 40 percent of the workforce. Data also suggest a high dependency ratio among the population: one in three persons worked in the Municipality. Housing and Living Conditions Most accommodation units in the Municipality are single family residences, however, housing in the Municipality ranges from elite accommodation, mainly holiday homes in the certain sections of the coastline to very poor squalid conditions in squatter settlements and remote communities. Nonetheless, dilapidated housing and the need for community upgrading are clearly evident in more rural areas. There are also some locations where agricultural lands have been subdivided for residential purposes without securing the necessary approval from the TCPD, and the appropriate infrastructural development required for housing development. One aspect of housing conditions that attests to problems of quality is access to potable water. Some communities remain severely underserved in this regard, particularly communities south of EMR. In these areas there is greater reliance on truck-borne supplies and rainwater harvesting and so households in these affected communities have greater responsibility for management of their water supply. The Municipality has been among the poorest in the country based on data on poverty for the last forty years. The three poorest communities in the Municipality were among the first ten of poor communities in the country. Moreover, half of the communities were in the first 100 of over 400 communities in Trinidad: in other words, in the bottom 25 percent or 20 percent of the country. While 16.7 percent of the national population was poor in 2005, in the Sangre Grande Municipality, 39.1 percent of the population was poor4. Land Use and Economic Activity Most of the land in the Region is undeveloped, being under either forest cover or agriculture. The forested lands, the rivers and the beaches form the base for leisure, recreational and tourism activities for residents and visitors to the Municipality. There are numerous small recreational beaches from Toco to Matelot on the north coast, and from Manzanilla to Galera Point on the east, which are utilised mainly by locals. The best known beaches are at Balandra, Grande Riviere, Manzanilla, Matura, Rampanalgas, Salibea Bay, Salybia, and Sans Souci. Natural watercourses also 4 Assessment of Living Conditions of Trinidad and Tobago, 2005. Prepared by Kairi Consultants Limited on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development. 19 provide recreational outlets for significant numbers of persons who frequent the Valencia, Matura, Sans Souci, and Shark Rivers on weekends and public holidays. Turtle watching has developed into a significant activity on those beaches that are used as nesting grounds by turtles. Ecotourism is emerging as an important industry for communities in the Northeast and East - M2M, Fishing Pond/North Manzanilla and Manzanilla. Aside from recreation, some of the Region‟s beaches also function as landing sites for fishers in Balandra, Cumana, Grande Riviere, Manzanilla, Matelot, Sans Souci and Toco. Agriculture is the predominant land use in the southern one-third of the region. The traditional cash crops of cocoa and coffee, despite their decline over the years, still play a very important part in this sector. Large acreages are also devoted to coconuts, citrus, plantains, bananas, mangoes, vegetables, and root crops including cassava, dasheen, and yams. Rice production takes place in the Manzanilla and Plum Mitan areas. Areas like Oropouche and Fishing Pond are used extensively for vegetable production. Other important farming activities include livestock rearing (cattle farming in Valencia and poultry production in Cumuto/Tamana) and beekeeping. Conservation is a major land use in the area with over 40 percent of the land under statutory protection. Quarrying also takes up an appreciable amount of land space with extensive areas of Valencia and Turure being exploited. Water production is another important economic activity. Built development is mainly residential with a small amount of Office, Trade/Commercial, Tourism, and Institutional activity. There is no industrial development of any note in the Region. Data on establishments collected by the CSO show that there was a major increase in the number of business establishments in the Municipality between 2000 and 2001, from 485 to 799. Over the period 2001 to 2007, the number rose less dramatically and stabilised at around 900 over the period 2005 to 2007 reaching 907 in 2007. Most of these are located in, or in proximity to, the town of Sangre Grande. Figures 4 and 5 show the land use patterns of the town of Sangre Grande and the Municipality. Transportation There are seven main roads servicing the Sangre Grande Region which give access to all of the key population and activity centres. Secondary roads serve as distributors/collectors connecting activity centres to the main roads, or as linkages between two Main Roads. In this region, they also serve as local access roads. They vary in width and surface quality. 20 Figure 4: Land Use in Sangre Grande Town and Valencia (based on Land Use Surveys) 21 Figure 5: Generalised Land Use and Major Committed Developments Source: MLG Database, TCPD Policy Map and Registers, EMA, Satellite Imagery, Field Surveys 22 Physical and Social Infrastructure The Municipality is served by a range of social facilities and services that are distributed across its geographic area and which bear close relation to the quality of life that is experienced by residents. Despite the presence of such resources, some critical infrastructure and facilities are limited at the community level, while maintenance of these facilities is a critical issue in others. Critical among these is drainage, which because of its inadequacy has increased and compounded the incidence of flooding. Waste collection and disposal, another critical concern, are performed mainly by contractors on behalf of the Municipal Corporation. The move towards integrated waste management approach means that the Municipality must improve the efficiency of such services, ensure that waste hauling trucks reach their final disposal destination and better manage faecal waste facility. There are primary and secondary health care facilities in the Municipality with a hospital in the town of Sangre Grande and nine primary health centres located throughout the municipality. The provision of primary and secondary education is considered to be adequate, but there is need for facilities to adequately address post-secondary and tertiary education. There is also a need for proper managed and maintained sporting and leisure facilities as residents adopt healthier lifestyles. The provision of sporting facilities must go hand in hand with the delivery of services to encourage and facilitate greater participation in the sector. SWOT Analysis The SWOT Analysis was informed by the survey as well as by consultations with stakeholders including the administrative and political arms of the Municipal Corporation and public, private and NGO sector agencies operating the Region. The results of the SWOT Analysis are summarised in Table 2. In order to come up with a development concept that is sustainable and appropriate to the needs of the people of the region, the Plan would need to build upon the strengths and opportunities and convert them into development potential, at the same time as it addresses the weaknesses and threats. Table 2: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats Strengths Weaknesses Sangre Grande’s position as the main market town and service centre for north-eastern Trinidad Strategic location of the town of Sangre Grande as the key element in the Northeast Triangle of Wallerfield, Valencia, and Sangre Grande Good Eco and Resort Tourism base and potential Prolific destination for the nesting of the leatherback Location with regard to the economic heartland of the country Lack of tourism infrastructure Abandoned farms Largely artisanal fisheries sector 23 Table 2: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats sea turtles Established and pro-active CBOs Extensive areas of good agricultural lands Strong agricultural tradition Established fishing industry Extensive forest lands with legal protection Well developed quarrying industry Extensive expanse of flat land Existing commercial and growing industrial base Availability of lower cost housing Water resources Fair road network Impact of quarrying on the environment Poverty Illiteracy Shortage of job opportunities Deficiencies in social infrastructure Narrow and poorly surfaced roads in some areas Traffic Congestion Poor drainage infrastructure Lack of incentives to attract businesses Poor water supply and distribution infrastructure Unbalanced regional growth leading to rural to urban migration Good telephone network Peaceful region with little violent crime Competitive wages Adequate supply of electricity Opportunities Threats Maximisation of Eco-Tourism potential Revival of agriculture Loss of good agricultural lands to built development Overfishing by large trawlers off east and north coasts Land degradation from quarrying Out-migration of population Pollution Competition from other Corporations Lack of funding Modernisation of fishing industry Selective exploitation of forest products Development of Toco Ferry Terminal Spin-offs from e-TecK and UTT Development of Sangre Grande into a modern Commercial and Administrative Centre Establishment of an incentive programme to attract businesses Lack of strict legislation or little policing of it with regard to conservation and protective measures From stakeholder and public consultations and based on the SWOT Analysis undertaken for the Region, certain development issues have been identified at this stage. The major issues that have been identified are as follows: Social Issues These revolve around the fact that Sangre Grande is the poorest region in the nation. There is a greater percentage of persons living below the poverty line than in any other region of the country. The associated issues relate to such areas as illiteracy, underdevelopment of the human resource base, an untrained workforce, rural to urban migration, youth (under)development, housing shortage, squatting, inadequate health services, vagrancy, and increasing crime. 24 Economic Issues The economic fortunes of the region which in the past were based principally on agriculture and fishing have suffered greatly from the decline in these two sectors. Within recent times, tourism, and in particular eco-tourism, have emerged as a potential area for development. However, the Region continues to experience high levels of unemployment, underemployment, and the scarcity of financial resources. Other related issues are unbalanced regional growth, loss of agricultural land to housing and other uses, under-development of the tourism sector and its base including the beaches, lack of funding for projects, lack of meaningful business partnerships between the public and private sector, and the inability of the SGRC to generate funds of its own. It is necessary to find ways to fast track Tourism and Fisheries infrastructure and to treat with the economic livelihood in isolated villages and, hence, control rural urban migration. Environmental Issues Within recent years environmental concerns have surfaced because of the growing awareness of matters environmental. Burgesses are concerned about the environmental degradation taking place particularly in the quarrying and logging industries. Quarrying has left giant holes filled with water which not only pose great risk to humans traversing and living in the areas but also leave the vicinity scarred and unproductive. There are areas where logging has been done in an unsustainable manner. There is an urgent need to bring these industries under control. The Region represents a major part of the country‟s biodiversity and therefore addressing the conservation needs of this Region is critical. In addition, the promotion of environmental community-based environmental stewardship is also important and so there is need for Government (both local and central) to work together with the Region in establishing sustainable and viable models that ensure the livelihood needs of communities and environmental health. Other issues of concern include waste management control, pollution, and littering. Reducing risk to humans due to natural and other disaster is an issue which ought to be addressed. Infrastructural The lack of infrastructural development, in particular, the poor roads, is viewed as retarding economic development. The upgrading of agricultural access roads is considered as a key ingredient to the revival of the agricultural sector and ultimately, the wider economic development of the region. There is also widespread flooding related to poor drainage systems in the region. There appears to be a grey area 25 relating to the fact that the MALMR may be responsible for upgrading some of the agricultural access roads, and the Drainage Division of the MOWT for the major drainage systems, while the SGRC is responsible for the remainder. Public transportation systems are also inadequate. Traffic congestion in Sangre Grande and Valencia is seen as being symptomatic of the need for reviewing the urban road structures to address this issue. Garbage collection and disposal infrastructure also require attention. Administrative These issues relate to deficiencies in the dispensation of government services. They range from what is considered to be the policies of the TCPD to shortcomings in the SGRC itself including staff shortages, lack of training for Corporation personnel, lack of resources and equipment for staff to function effectively, perceived political partisanship, and lack of coordination and cooperation between government agencies. A major administrative issue relates to the extent of unauthorised development and quarrying that takes place in the region and the inability or unwillingness of the State to monitor or enforce against the illegal activities. 26 Strategic Framework In developing this strategy for the future development of the Municipality, it is important to put the development of Sangre Grande in the context of the national development as well as the development of East Trinidad, which also includes the Mayaro/Rio Claro Municipality. The Sangre Grande Municipality will have a major influence on the development of economic, social, cultural, and environment development of the wider East Coast. Sangre Grande’s Role in National Spatial Development The National Physical Development Plan of 1984 is the sole statutory instrument at the time guiding spatial development at the national level. The Plan identified the town of Sangre Grande as one of the four proposed Growth Centres, along with Point Fortin, Couva-Point Lisas, and Mayaro-Galeota, and therefore the expansion of industrial estates was expected to be an integral part of this process. The development of housing was also proposed for the centre along with the development of appropriate physical and social infrastructure. The population of the Northeast Region was expected to increase, generated by the development of the Sangre Grande growth centre and its suitability for accommodating overspill from the Capital Region. Also identified as a sub-regional centre, the town of Sangre Grande was earmarked as an important area with an expanded economic base and improvements in its attractiveness for settlement, thus providing employment and offering service facilities. As a town, Sangre Grande was considered as having several factors which could be exploited, including a favourable geographical location in relation to Port-ofSpain and the major transportation lines in the Northeast and to the Southeast; its function as the major administrative, commercial and residential centre in the 27 Northeast; a significant amount of developable land within its immediate environs; and a hinterland rich in agricultural and forestry potential and containing high quality sands and gravels. While Toco was designated as a district centre to receive some level of facilities and services, the wider Municipality was zoned to include extensive areas under agriculture, conservation, quarrying, and resort development among others. The Northeast of the Municipality and East Nariva were zoned for agriculture, forestry and rural development, including the implementation of reforestation schemes in suitable areas. The North and Northeast Coasts, and the Manzanilla-Nariva Swamp area were earmarked for the development of resort complexes. Moreover, areas in the Northern Range and other upland areas within the Municipality were designated as conservation. A National Conceptual Development Plan (NCDP) prepared in 1999 ostensibly to update the planning framework of the NPDP is also relevant. More recently, a NSS was developed to guide the spatial development of Trinidad and Tobago to the year 2020. These frameworks provide guidance to the role of Sangre Grande in the national spatial system. Under the NSS, Sangre Grande and Toco were classified as Rural Centres that will contain between 10,000 to 15,000 persons and that will provide a range of social and community services, facilities, and some employment opportunities. For Sangre Grande this is a downgrading of its role stipulated in the NPDP as a Growth Centre/Sub-regional Centre. The NSS also placed emphasis on environmental protection that included protection of wetlands, forests, biodiversity, watersheds, hillside development, heritage resources, water pollution, ecosystems and coral reefs/sand dunes, all of which are represented in the Municipality of Sangre Grande. Development Goal, Strategic Vision and Direction Development Goal The goal of the Sangre Grande Municipality RDP is to ensure successful regional development resulting in the creation of sustainable communities and a high quality of life for all burgesses. It is derived from the Vision 2020 Draft National Strategic Plan which provides the framework for the development of Trinidad and Tobago to 2020. Sustainable communities here are defined as those in which residents are empowered to gain and retain access to their needs for adequate housing, social facilities, physical infrastructure, recreation, employment and commercial opportunities either within or in close proximity to the community without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs5. 5 as taken from the Vision 2020 Regional Development and Sustainable Communities Sub-committee Report 28 Vision The Strategic Vision on which the RDP is to be based was determined from the Participatory Visioning Exercise carried out specifically for the purpose of determining the manner in which the stakeholders see the Region developing in the future. The agreed vision is outlined below: The Municipality of Sangre Grande will create a high quality of life, free of crime, and, supported by equitably distributed social and infrastructural services to all its burgesses, will lay a sustainable platform for a rejuvenated agriculture, agribusiness, fisheries, distribution, commerce and ecotourism, capable of providing rewarding lives to all communities, and of encouraging the fullest participation of all, and especially of its young people, with Sangre Grande, the town, becoming a fitting centre of this progressive Municipality. Development Objectives To attain its Vision, the Municipality of Sangre Grande will pursue 12 broad development objectives: 1. Poverty reduction (individual, household and community); 2. Creation of jobs within the Municipality; 3. Development of public-private sector partnerships to facilitate the economic, social, and physical transformation of the Municipality; 4. Equitable provision of basic social and physical infrastructure and amenities to all communities; 5. Provision of a comprehensive network of physical infrastructure to foster and facilitate economic development within the Municipality; 6. Provision of affordable and good quality housing at safe locations; 7. Sustainable management of its natural resources, including the optimum and safe use of its agricultural lands and eco-tourism resources; 8. Greater integration of the Municipality; 9. Development of functional and aesthetically appealing urban and rural spaces, that are distinct, safe, well-connected, adaptable, manageable, and easy on the environment; 10. Reduction of risks associated with climate change and natural disasters within the Municipality; and 11. Effective municipal management. 29 Development Strategy The Selection Process The option for future development of Sangre Grande was born out of the RDP participatory process and the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) process which has taken place in the Municipality over the last two years, the result of which is the Cabinet-approved Ten Point Plan and the formulation of an Integrated Development Plan for sustainable development of the Region. The IDP process involved over 30 fora were held throughout the Region, with the conduct of a total of 20 community outreach meetings in an effort to identify issues and workable recommendations from burgesses on the future development of the Municipality and districts. Coming on the heels of this initial process, the RDP process was modified from its original methodology of conducting a second public consultation to evaluate the alternative scenarios generated and the selection of a preferred scenario upon which the RDP would have been based. Instead the Preferred Development Strategy was formulated based on the IDP and the expressed wishes of stakeholders during the first public consultation and the more than 20 stakeholders discussions held during the RDP planning process. A Balanced Growth Strategy The basis for future sustainable development of Sangre Grande lies in the promotion and support of balanced growth across the various sub-regions of the Municipality. The Development Strategy for Sangre Grande promotes greater spatial equity through a more polycentric and integrated approach so that development will be distributed across the Municipality, but with emphasis on expanding the role and functions of the town of Sangre Grande to be become a major growth pole in East Trinidad. At the same time greater investment will be encouraged and focussed at the various sub-regions, not only through the State and private sector, but mainly through the efforts of residents in the sub-regions who have and are expected to continue to play a dominant role in the rejuvenation and development of their communities and the nodal centres – Toco, Valencia and Cumuto. Greater investment in these identified centres should improve their competitiveness, their ability to provide a better level of socio-economic activity and services and improve the quality of life for residents, including those in remote locations. Broad Spatial Context Spatial policy for the Municipality recognises the wider context within which it exists. The town of Sangre Grande is one of the most significant centres in eastern Trinidad and exerts a major influence on the rest of the Municipality and the Municipality of Mayaro/ Rio Claro. It is a transportation hub for people travelling to the north to the 30 more rural communities on the northeast coast and to the south to Cumuto, Rio Claro, Mayaro, Talparo or to the west to Arima and further afield to Port-of-Spain. The extension of the CRH would make it easier to get into and out of the Municipality. The establishment of the campus of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) at O‟Meara and the coming on stream of e TecK‟s Tamana Park means that both facilities can be reached within 15 minutes from of Sangre Grande town centre when the extension of the CRH is complete and this would add to the conditions precedent to the Municipality‟s readiness for development. In terms of size and services, the town of Sangre Grande is a significant centre offering services to residents in Mayaro/Rio Claro, particularly in respect of secondary health care since the Sangre Grande Hospital is at the pinnacle of the Eastern Regional Health District. Residents of Mayaro/Rio Claro are also known to view the town of Sangre Grande as the locus of educational opportunities. The placement of strategic social facilities in Municipality of Sangre Grande would make it attractive to a wider catchment beyond its boundaries and its sphere of influence would be even greater with an expanded CRH and the development of a ring road around the town of Sangre Grande. The Northeast Coast leads the way in terms of ecotourism and community-led tourism enterprise. Already the model centred on a partnering of the public sector and community monitoring of turtle nesting and watching which began in Matura has been adopted by other communities in the Region and elsewhere and has extended to other utilisation of other neighbouring natural resources. The positioning of Northeast Trinidad for ecotourism, recreation, scenic touring and leisure activities is in keeping with proposals for the development of the Northeast Trinidad Anchor Coast Resort Development area which now extends beyond the original proposed zone of Matura to Toco to as far as Matelot. Such an anchor along with the development of the East Coast Scenic Corridor, which can extend from Toco through the sections of the Northeast Anchor, along the Atlantic Coast to the southeast Trinidad at Guayaguayare, would position the entire eastern coast as the major destination for nature based tourism pursuits and further strengthen the development of the Municipality. The development of Arima as an Eco-Cultural Centre and the development of Aripo Savannas Visitor Centre and community tourism ventures in Tamana area would further help to booster this position. Population Dynamics of Sangre Grande The rate of growth of the population in the Municipality was 5.01 percent between 1990 and 2000, which is slightly higher than the national average. This can be attributed to the continued expansion of housing development in the Region, and to some extent to an increase in informal settlements. However, there has been noticeable outward migration of residents in 20-30 year cohort who upon completion of their schooling and in the absence of employment and growth in the area, are drawn to other areas in the society and economy in search of a better future than 31 has been offered by Sangre Grande. The population projections provided in Table 3 assumes a reversal of this trend of out-migration. It is further assumed increases in population in the Municipality will also come from the spill-over of the population from the highly concentrated municipalities of Arima and Tunapuna/Piarco, with people seeking relatively cheaper accommodation in Valencia and the town of Sangre Grande, which is within easy reach by public transport to Arima, Tunapuna/Piarco and Port-of-Spain. In this regard, the Municipality of Sangre Grande will need to provide services to formal residents, many of whom find employment elsewhere. The Development Strategy makes provision for the projected 2020 population of 80,000, which is around 14,363 more than the 2000 figure. Table 3: Distribution of Population by Communities 2000 and 2020, and Incremental Population, based on the Balanced Growth Scenario 2000 Sub-region Sangre Grande Proper Greater Sangre Grande M2M Valencia Greater Tamana North Manzanilla/ Fishing Pond Manzanilla TOTAL Incremental Population 2020 Popn No of Hhlds No of Persons/ Hhlds Popn No of Hhlds No of Persons/ Hhlds 18,157 4,669 3.9 22,470 5,405 3.9 11,465 2,821 4.1 13,485 3,237 4.1 7,276 8,769 2,072 2,287 3.8 3.8 8,508 12,094 2,187 2,635 3.8 3.8 10,360 2,601 4 12,352 2,936 4 5,876 1,526 3.8 6,664 1,730 3.8 3,734 65,637 984 16,760 3.8 3.9 4,427 80,000 1,129 19,261 3.8 3.9 Popn No of Hhlds 4,313 736 2,020 1,232 3,325 416 115 348 1,992 335 788 693 14,363 204 145 2,299 The Overall Strategy The Sangre Grande RDP seeks to provide for a future wellbeing of residents and to facilitate sustainable development of the Municipality as the preferred place for burgesses and visitors to live, work and recreate in a high-quality environment that is in keeping with national strategic development goals. It is a place where enhanced physical environment will be created in a sustainable manner to support the needs of the residents and visitors to the Municipality, including the rationalisation and upgrading of the town of Sangre Grande as a growth pole and the development and rejuvenation of other identified centres which in the past have been neglected. 32 As a the growth pole emphasis will be placed on strengthening the economic base and increasing employment opportunities and choices in the town of Sangre Grande and within the Municipality as a whole; enhancing the integrity of the natural environment as store house of the country‟s biodiversity and water production area is important. Equally important to the development of the Municipality would be the improvement of the delivery of transportation and other physical and social infrastructure and services in a balanced and equitable manner. The implementation of future activities under this Plan will be guided by the principles of sustainable development and the recognition that corrective action is needed against global climate change and dynamic international economic and financial situation. The overall strategy, therefore, is to: a. Encourage investment in resort, eco- and cultural tourism and other sustainable economic activities such as would promote and conserve the natural and cultural assets of the Region, and broaden its economic base. b. Encourage and facilitate the revitalisation of the agriculture sector through the upgrade of designated food basket areas, and strengthening research and development, marketing and sectoral linkages. c. Create a node of industrial development in northeast Trinidad giving particularly attention to agro- and fish-processing. d. Strict monitoring and regulation of the quarry industry in keeping with the operation of a modern open-pit quarry industry observing best practices and making a meaningful contribution to the development of the Sangre Grande Municipality. e. Provide and facilitate the housing needs of the projected population of 80,000 persons by the year 2020, including provisioning for the complementary infrastructural and social services needs, and the implementation of standards to guide the development of visitor accommodations and facilities. f. Improve the social and physical infrastructure systems and facilities that are accessible to all to serve the residents of the Municipality. g. Protect the open character and aesthetics of the Municipality including the protection of landscapes, open spaces, architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage and material assets of the Municipality, ensuring that future developments pay attention to the preservation of these areas and structures. h. Upgrade and improve the functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal of the town centres, key public spaces, and scenic routes in the Municipality. i. Encourage greater participation and involve the municipal community in the decision-making process on planning, environmental and municipal management issues. 33 j. Develop a comprehensive regional spatial planning framework that combines conservation, economic, social, recreational, and leisure uses, through vigorous land use planning controls. The Strategy assumes a high level of investment and participation in the development process on the part of the private sector. Community-oriented development and small business activity will also be encouraged. As well, local government reform is expected to provide the SGRC with a higher staff level, funding, and operational efficiency to coordinate the development process. Spatial Development Framework The policies shape the broad spatial development framework shown in Figure 6. The framework gives a guide to the allocation of the land in the Municipality and the treatment of major features to 2020 as follows: Continued residential development in most of the Region to accommodate the 80,000 persons who are expected to reside there by 2020, with significant expansion of Valencia, Sangre Grande Proper, Greater Sangre Grande and Cumuto, and/or consolidation in Toco and along the Corridors; Small resort/ecotourism development in the Northeast, East and Southern sections of the municipality, most of which are community led; Agro- and fish-processing in Greater Sangre Grande and other agro-based locations; Expansion of the CRH and the development of Sangre Grande Town Ring Road and upgrading of the secondary road network; Development of sports stadium and indoor facilities in Sangre Grande Proper; Upgrading and enhancement of the Sangre Grande as the Municipal Centre, and Toco, Cumuto, and Valencia as the major town centres of the Municipality; Upgrading and development of the open and green spaces, and cultural assets of the Municipality; Protecting key conservation areas throughout the Municipality, including the 18 protected areas – Matura National Park, Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve; and Upgrading and improvement of social and physical infrastructure, including public and protective services, throughout the Municipality. 34 Figure 6: Land Use Proposals for the Municipality of Sangre Grande 35 Thematic Policies and Proposals Introduction Discussions with various stakeholders in the Municipality, an examination of the physical and socioeconomic environment, and the placement of the Region in the context of Vision 2020 and other National Plans have led to the identification of policies and proposals which will be the basis for economic and social development of the Municipality over the next 10 years. The policies and proposals are covered under nine development themes, namely: 1. Urban Design; 2. Environmental Management; 3. Economic Development; 4. Housing; 5. Social Services and Community Facilities; 6. Transportation; 7. Physical Infrastructure; 8. Institutional Strengthening; and 9. Municipal Management. 36 Urban Design (UD) Urban design policy for Sangre Grande can help not only to shape the quality of the physical form of development but also influence its economic, social and environmental impacts. Good urban design can ensure the development of attractive, functional and adaptable places and structures, and is critical to achieving sustainable development of the Municipality. During the next 10 years and beyond the Municipality will be undergoing a period of major development and regeneration as it realises its Strategic Vision. This represents an opportunity for achieving quality urban design of its Municipal Centre, main urban centres, rural communities, and landscaped environments. Therefore, the development of an Urban Design Framework is necessary at this time to provide broad urban design guidelines which can inform and guide the development of local area development plans, local area transportation plans, sub-regional strategies and programmes that can have a bearing on land use policies. Urban design treatment for the SGRC must provide relevant direction with respect to the Region‟s rural and urban communities. These broad Urban Design Policies and Proposals provided at the thematic level are also reflected in the District Proposals that are articulated in the following Chapter. Urban Design Framework Policy Formulation Context Thematic Urban Design Policies and Proposals for the Sangre Grande Municipality must be developed out of and build on the Broad Development Objectives of the Plan (articulated in Chapter Three). The Urban Design Policies and Proposals will be used by developers, planners and the planning approval agency in the preparation of designs and in the evaluation process. They must be seen as guiding principles that provide direction for the subsequent detailed urban design treatments that will be prepared as part of future local area planning initiatives. Eventually, urban design treatment must afford flexibility to cater to the range of conditions that would be found in individual locations and sites. Although urban design is cross-cutting in nature and therefore can be interpreted in several of the Plan‟s Broad Development Objectives, Objective 10 specifically refers to the: „Development of functional and aesthetically appealing urban and rural spaces that are distinct, safe, well-connected, adaptable, manageable, and easy on the environment.‟ 37 The formulation of urban design solutions in the Plan relates particularly to this objective. Socioeconomic Context The urban design improvements will be through the enhancement of the functioning and amenity value of the built and non-built environments that interface with one another. Implicit in this arrangement is the cyclical relationships between elements in the space economy where investment is required to facilitate urban design improvements and these in turn will facilitate improvements to the local economy through increases in property values and an upswing in economic activity across all sectors. Spatial Context The urban design issues and solutions for the Municipality must be seen within the context of the spatial framework that was detailed earlier in the Plan. Sangre Grande is essentially comprised of lands of varying topography which includes forested areas, active and abandoned agricultural lands and quarried lands, an established main town centre, villages, ribbon settlements, and a rugged coastline of high aesthetic and amenity value. Urban design treatment where it exists impacts upon the variety of land uses in the Municipality, which are disaggregated to include areas of commercial and industrial activity, transportation facilities, areas of residence and recreation, parks, watercourses and other green areas within the public realm. Summary of Major Issues The major urban design issues identified earlier in the Plan may be summarised as follows: Weakness in legibility, definition and identification of communities and districts; Derelict appearance and decaying built form of some communities; Inefficient movement characteristics and conflicts between pedestrian and vehicular traffic, especially in Valencia and the town of Sangre Grande; Inadequate and poor supply of public amenities within areas of built development; Inadequate and poor supply of safe, functional and attractive public spaces; and 38 Limited permeability and connectivity in many urban spaces and within the „green‟ areas. Policy Objective The objective of the Urban Design Policies and Proposals is to promote and facilitate good urban design by providing the context and guidelines within which development in the Municipality will be encouraged and identifying key urban design initiatives for public space which should be considered over the next 10 years. Urban Design Policies and Proposals The following are the Sangre Grande Regional Urban Design Policies and Proposals. UD POLICY-1: Clearly Defining Gateway Components to the Municipality, Urban Centres, Sub-regions and Communities 1. The introduction of gateway areas at the entrances to the Municipality and to its major centres to assist in defining the sub-regions, towns and villages, in shaping their image, and to indicate a sense of destination or arrival; 2. The use of distinctive and well landscaped entrance features at the gateways that bear relation to the nature and character of the centre; and 3. The introduction of appropriate and attractively designed signage that identifies all settlements and communities in the Municipality. UD POLICY-2: Improving the Identification, Functioning and Visual Appeal of Commercial, Civic and Other Nodal Areas within Communities 1. The reinforcement of individual character of distinct areas in the Municipality; 2. The identification of core districts within urban and rural centres within which comprehensive and integrated urban design treatment will be focused; 3. The provision and enhancement of permeability elements within centres through improved pedestrian and vehicular linkages to facilitate quick, easy and safe movement; 39 4. The identification of derelict areas of built development within urban and rural centres within which regeneration-type activities would be planned and implemented; 5. The introduction of design guidelines, technical aid and financial assistance to developers of properties along major streetscapes so as to allow for more sensitive built form and more functional and appealing facades; 6. The provision of attractive, comfortable and convenient environments within urban and rural core areas; and 7. The maintenance of the unique small-town character and ambience of the smaller centre within the Municipality. UD POLICY-3: Recognising and Enhancing Important Landmarks and Built Heritage Inventory 1. The creation of powerful landmarks within the Municipality for identity and navigation; 2. The identification and conservation of sites and structures of historic and or architectural significance; and 3. The incorporation of significant heritage structures into the enhancement programme for town and community regeneration and revitalisation. UD POLICY-4: Enhancing the Functional Capability and Amenity Value of Roadways and Streetscapes 1. The improvement to the geometry of roadways and paths to allow for improvements in their functional capability; 2. The introduction of traffic calming techniques within existing and planned urban and rural communities; 3. The provision of safe, convenient and attractive spaces for the movement of persons and vehicles in the urban and rural cores; 4. The enhancement of the visual appeal of roadways and streetscapes as a major part of the public realm in towns and villages by the removal of overhead utility lines, the provision and widening of pedestrian sidewalks, the removal of unnecessary signage, the introduction of tree species within the right of way that relate to the particular communities and the provision of street furniture including formal and informal seating; and 40 5. The provision of specific guidelines with respect to on and off-street parking in areas selected for more detailed urban design treatment in so far as this has implications for the functioning and visual appeal of nodes and corridors of commercial and civic significance. UD POLICY-5: Creating a Network of Open Spaces Comprising, Parks, Paths, Forested Areas, Wetland Areas and Watercourses 1. The creation of a linked system of open spaces comprising parks, pedestrian and bicycle trails, watercourses, wetlands, beaches and forested areas; 2. The protection of important vistas onto elements of the system of open spaces, particularly with respect to the coastal environment; and 3. The protection of unique vistas relating to the experience of coconut plantations along major roadways. UD POLICY-6: Providing and Enhancing Pedestrian Paths and Walkways 1. The provision of well lit and attractively designed pedestrian sidewalks and paths within urban and rural centres and communities, including core commercial and civic areas; 2. The provision of well lit recreational trails within the rural landscape, providing connection between communities and designated urban and rural green areas and facilitating the creation of an interconnected system of open spaces; and 3. The provision of dedicated bicycle paths across the Municipality as part of an interlinked system of recreational paths and trails. . UD POLICY-7: Providing and Enhancing Public Open Spaces within Urban and Rural Communities 1. The upgrading of existing open spaces to allow for safe passive and active recreation; 2. The provision of appropriate shade trees and landscaping within parks and parkettes to yield functional and attractive open spaces; 3. The provision of appropriate lighting, pavilions, formal and informal seating and welfare facilities in public open spaces; and 41 4. The provision of safe and attractive passive urban parkettes that may include bandstands and amphitheatres in close proximity to the core areas in existing settlements. UD POLICY-8: Enhancing the Functional Design and Visual Character of Industrial Areas 1. The provision and enhancement of landscaped compounds by the introduction of perimeter berms and appropriate tree species to provide a visual buffer that would also mitigate against air pollution; and 2. The enhancement of industrial car-parking lots by the grading and shaping of lands, the introduction of hedges, berms and tree planting in interior aisles and medians. UD POLICY-9: Enhancing Existing Residential Areas 1. The incorporation of aesthetically designed gateway elements at the entrances to existing and proposed residential neighbourhoods; 2. The provision of easily accessible passive and active recreational spaces in keeping with the size of the residential area; 3. The provision of adequate sidewalks to cater to the needs of the residents; 4. The provision of well designed and safe neighbourhoods with attractive streetscapes that include the introduction of shade trees within the road reserve; 5. The provision of communities with good linkages to the key activity nodes and a wider system of open spaces; and 6. The provision of appropriate social and educational facilities in close proximity to residents. UD POLICY-10: Creating Enhanced Recreational Resort Areas 1. The creation of dedicated public facilities for parking, vending and sea bathing at prime coastal locations; 2. The establishment of improved design specifications for new multi-unit resort developments to incorporate gateway elements, sensitively 42 designed landscaping, maintenance of public access to the coastline, important vistas and utilisation of enhanced improved architectural inputs; and 3. The improvement to the functioning and amenity value of existing and proposed low-density resort areas in detached, semi-detached or two-storey built form by the introduction of upgraded standards of design, maintenance, security and safety, access and egress routes, and incorporating gateway elements where practical. UD POLICY-11: Identifying Keynote Initiatives 1. The following is a list of keynote initiatives within the Municipality that are either currently identified for development or areas in need of significant regeneration. These projects represent design opportunities: a. Redevelopment of the Sangre Grande Municipal Centre; b. Redevelopment of Major Urban Centres – Valencia, Toco, Cumuto; c. Façade Rehabilitation Project; d. Vision City; e. Pueblo Nuevo; f. Toco Port Development; and g. Extension of the CRH. 43 Environmental Management (EM) Introduction The residents of Sangre Grande often refer to their Municipality as the „Green Corner‟ or lungs of Trinidad and Tobago. The Region includes some of the country‟s main protected areas and is home to a significant proportion of its biodiversity and threatened species. For example, the Matura National Park has a good representation of Mora forests and is also the home to several species that appear on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including orchids, the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), the tayra (Eira Barbara), the red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus), the wild hog/quenk (Tayassu tajacu), the matte (Tayassu tajacu), the pawi (Pipile pipile) and cage bird species such as Bullfinch and Picoplat. Each year, the Region‟s surrounding waters and beaches provide habitat to the leatherback turtle which is a key attraction for local and foreign visitors. It is the abundance of this sea turtle population and others which affords the Municipality the distinction of being the Premier Turtle Destination of the World. It is these resources along with its forests, wildlife, beaches, rivers, serenity and picturesque landscapes and seascapes as well as the friendliness of its people which add to its potential as ecotourism destination and which drives the community-led conservation and ecotourism initiatives noted within the Municipality. As the Region shifts to a sustainable development paradigm, socioeconomic development must be balanced and achieved without compromising this rich biodiversity and the state of its natural resources. It is important to ensure the continued prosperity of future generations and to secure the legacy of the present generation as good stewards of the environment. The goal is embodied in Broad Development Objectives 12 and 14 of the RDP which state: Development Objective 12 Sustainable management of its natural resources, including the optimum and safe use of its agricultural lands and eco-tourism resources. Development Objective 14 Reduction of risks due to climate change and natural disasters within the Municipality. As the Municipality seeks to create sustainable communities and a high quality of life for its burgesses, Environmental Management Policies and Proposals are aimed at: 1. Changing attitudes and behaviours and encouraging greater environmental responsibility, and the promotion of sustainable environmental practices; 2. Conservation of the Municipality's non-renewable natural resources through: a. Sustainable management of its protected areas and unique ecology; 44 b. Sustainable management of existing rehabilitation of abandoned ones; and future quarries and c. Minimising the consumption of the remaining green spaces in the Region; d. Identification, recognition and preservation of the remaining large tracts of agricultural lands in the Region; and e. Promotion of and facilitating co-management and monitoring systems where communities, their community-based organisations (CBOs) and NGOs continue to play a significant role in the protection of the Region‟s natural resources; 3. Identification, preservation and protection of the quality of local landscapes, open spaces, historical, architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage of Sangre Grande; 4. Minimising all forms of pollution and improvement of water quality of rivers, streams, and other waterways including the effective management of municipal waste, wastewater and stormwater control; 5. Reduction of environmental hazards and protection of people and property from exposure to such hazards; 6. Promoting and formalising the inclusion of stakeholders in regional decisionmaking and action; and 7. Addressing climate change in all aspects of regional development. The overall thematic policies and proposals of the RDP seek to maintain a stable natural resource base, while avoiding over-exploitation of renewable resource systems or environmental sink functions, and allowing the utilisation of nonrenewable resources only to the extent that it does not adversely impact on them thus allowing for the maintenance of biodiversity, atmospheric stability, and undertaking other ecosystem functions6. The Environmental Policies and Proposals, as stated herein for the Sangre Grande Municipality, are largely set and guided by the various National Plans and Policies referred to in Situational Reports 1 and 2 and by the expressed desires and vision of the Municipality‟s burgesses and stakeholder organisations. Taken from Jonathan M. Harris Basic Principles of Sustainable Development. Global Development and Environment Institute at Tuft University, Working Paper 00-04. Website Source: 6 45 Policy Objective The key objective of the Environmental Management Policies and Proposals is to support the sustainable management, conservation and protection of natural and cultural resources, and to promote and strengthen environmental stewardship, while facilitating socio-economic development in the Sangre Grande Municipality. Policies and Proposals EM POLICY-1: Changing Attitudes and Behaviours Regarding the Municipal Environment 1. Addressing the attitudes and behaviours of burgesses (both Corporate and individual) towards the environment is a major step towards achieving sustainable development of the Municipality. The Vision 2020 draft National Strategic Plan has, as one of its goals, increased public awareness and development efforts by private sector groups and community-based organisations in the maintenance and enhancement of the environment. The Cabinet-approved National Action Programme to Combat Land Degradation (2006-2020) also reiterates this goal and outlines the Land-related Education and Awareness Programme (LEAP) which is listed as a Priority One Project “meant to raise the importance of land resources in all levels of the education system and to increase public awareness of the socio-economic, cultural and ecological functions of land as a means of bringing about a change towards sustainable management and wise use of natural resources and the environment.” The specific objective under this Policy is to positively influence the behaviour of residents and visitors towards the Sangre Grande environment. i. ‘Lead by Example’ by promoting pro-environment actions with the SGRC In promoting pro-environment behavioural change, the shift starts at the Local Government level. The SGRC by its actions will demonstrate its commitment to the pro-environment ethos. The SGRC will therefore audit its existing programmes and projects to ensure compliance and to ensure that the activities of its agents and contractors are in keeping with this focus. ii. Development of Eco-Sangre Grande Environmental Programme which will target and work with regional Leadership, Public, Private, NGO and Community Sectors and Individuals in promoting environmental responsibility, increasing awareness of 46 sustainability issues; and getting more people outdoors and involved in the environment. The Eco-Sangre Grande Environmental Programme will be championed and implemented by the SGRC in keeping with the principles of the LEAP and Vision 2020 National Strategic Plan. The project, which will first be undertaken as a pilot, will involve the Corporation working closely with a number of agencies - MLG, UTT, MPHE, EMA, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources (MALMR), and Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs (MCDCGA). The programme represents a unique opportunity for the Corporation and the burgesses to define Eco-Sangre Grande and to encapsulate and promote this through social marketing, and public education initiatives. A website will be developed which would provide information on a number of important environmental and lifestyle topics of relevance to the Municipality and these include Vector Control, Energy Use and Reduction, Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling, Wise Purchasing Choices, Global Climate Change and Sea Level Rise, Conservation in Homes and Businesses, Rainwater Harvesting and Storage, etcetera. Interactive training activities will also be developed and targeted at groups and organisations within in the Municipality. The objective is to increase awareness, information sharing and social interaction. Consideration will be given to undertaking an annual municipality-wide event which encourages and promotes an annual theme of relevance to the Municipality. iii. While most of the Eco-Sangre Grande Environmental Programme activities will be voluntary, consideration will be given to developing a Compliance Programme geared at certifying SGRC‟s contractors. iv. Positively influence visitor experiences and behaviours through the distribution of information and education on visitor conduct and norms in a special environment. v. The SGRC to encourage, highlight and endorse projects in the Municipality geared at pro-environment behavioural change as part of the Eco-Sangre Grande Programme on their website and through other suitable media. vi. Support and strengthen community groups and networks in the Municipality with a commitment to environment and promoting the link between environment and human wellbeing. It includes the development of a register of and working with local environmental groups and organisations engaged in environmental projects in the Municipality. 47 EM POLICY-2: Conserving Non-Renewable Resources of Sangre Grande Sangre Grande, as the largest Municipality in Trinidad, consists of a range of ecosystems and natural resources including its geology, physiography, flora, fauna, habitats and biodiversity. Its ecosystems include coastal environments, forests, wetlands, urban environments (including parks, and other landscaped and managed areas), streams and rivers, agricultural environments, and tourism sites. The state of these environments directly and indirectly impacts on the quality of life of the burgesses and visitors to the Municipality. Ensuring their conservation and sustainable management is vital, as the Region embarks on its sustainable development thrust. Defining sustainable environmental management and carrying out the necessary actions to achieve this require strong collaboration and a coming together of all major stakeholders in a common vision and effort to establish effective and efficient management, monitoring and regulatory systems. In protecting and enhancing its natural heritage base, the Municipality will: 1. Employ appropriate conservation systems geared at improving management of areas of environmental significance, including the rehabilitation of degraded areas; 2. Protect its best and most versatile agricultural land; and 3. Protect its key environmental tourism assets. 2A: Areas of Environmental Importance The areas listed below are considered of Environmental Importance and, therefore, conservation and enhancement of these areas will be encouraged and promoted. These include the Statutory Protected Areas, the best and versatile Agricultural Assets and the Environmental Assets of Importance to the Tourism Industry. These areas are highlighted in an effort to protect and reduce adverse development on these sites. The statutory Protected Areas status for the most part affords a type of management which reduces the likelihood of adverse development of these sites. The RDP recognises that while CEC process affords some protection at the planning stage, it is important to apply safeguards to other environmental assets to reduce adverse impacts resulting from poor management practices and to promote the use of best practices in the utilisation and management of these areas. 48 The following highlights the Areas of Environmental Importance in Sangre Grande: 1. Protected Areas Statutory Protected Areas in Sangre Grande cover some 40 percent of the total land area of the Municipality. These areas include 18 forest reserves and ESA. Plans to improve the protected areas system through the establishment of a system of National Parks and Other Protected Areas developed in the 1980s, recommend a total of 61 units within the System of National Parks and Protected Areas in Trinidad and Tobago. Although the system never secured the necessary legislative support, many of the designated areas under this Plan are currently being managed as if they were Protected Areas. The Protected Areas noted in the Sangre Grande Municipality are listed below in Table 4. Table 4: Protected Areas in Sangre Grande Name Protected Areas Classification St. David* Forest Reserve Matura Eastern Extension Forest Reserve Melajo Forest Reserve Matura Western Extension Forest Reserve Matura Forest Reserve Long Stretch Forest Reserve Manzanilla Forest Reserve Manzanilla Extension Forest Reserve Windbelt Forest Reserve Long Stretch Forest Reserve Arena Forest Reserve Tumpuna Forest Reserve Central Range * Forest Reserve Brigand Hill Forest Reserve Valencia Forest Reserve Nariva Swamp* Environmentally Sensitive Area Matura National Park Environmentally Sensitive Area Aripo Savannas Reserve Strict Nature Environmentally Sensitive Area 49 2. Scenic Landscapes Due regard will be given to the following Areas of Landscape Importance: Toco/Paria Main Roads (Toco to Matura); Manzanilla/Mayaro Road; and Central Range Forest along the Cunapo Southern Main Road. This list will evolve as consideration is given to other areas that are of unique quality and high aesthetic appeal. The MLG and the Municipal Corporation, along with other collaborating agencies, such as the TCPD, Forestry Division, Tourism Development Company Limited Trinidad and Tobago (TDC), EMA, Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), among others should identify, assess and develop a full list of Landscapes of Regional Importance. It will be important to preserve such areas of high landscape and aesthetic value, and areas forming an attractive background to tourist development. Great emphasis will be placed on the visual impact of developments on such landscapes. It will also be critical to design developments in such a way to retain high and unique quality landscapes within the Municipality, including coastal protection structures. Controlling development in these areas will involve commitment and collaboration among the key partner State and Statutory agencies as well as the development of a National Policy and Regulations which recognise and speak to the issue of the preservation of Landscapes of High Aesthetic Importance. 3. Individual Trees and Group of Trees There are a number of existing trees in the Municipality that are of outstanding natural beauty, help create attractive landscapes and sometimes are of historical importance. A list of trees and woodlands of conservation value will be developed for the Municipality of Sangre Grande, and guidelines developed for the retention or removal of these trees. Tree Preservation Orders made under the TCP Act will be issued with respect to trees identified for protection. 4. Tourism Environmental Assets It is important to protect key environmental assets for the tourism industry and to prevent their damage or destruction for short term gain. A number of sites have been identified as areas of importance because of the high quality of their landscape, and the unique experiences they offer. There is a partial listing of these sites for Sangre Grande which includes Areas of Quality Landscape, Scenic Routes, Protected Areas and Sites of Historical Importance. The Environmental Assets in the Municipality of Sangre Grande utilised by the Tourism Industry are highlighted below in Table 5. 50 Table 5: Tourism Resources within the Municipality of Sangre Grande Names Natural Attractions Coastal Marine Features i. Beaches North Coast Matelot Bay Grande Riviere Bay Sans Souci Bay Sally Bay East Coast Sena Bay Balandra Bay Saline Bay Salybia Bay Matura Bay* Cocos (Manzanilla) Bay Landscape and Environmental Features i. Geological Cumaca Caves Formations Alan River Gorge Tamana Caves ii. Water Features Valencia River (Rivers) Balandra River Hollis Reservoir Salybia iii. Water Features Cirra (Waterfalls) Rio Seco Matura Homard iv. Scenic Routes and Toco/Paria Main Roads Corridors (Toco to Matura) Manzanilla/Mayaro Road Central Range Forest along the Cunapo Southern Main Road v. Scenic Landscape Galera Point, Toco Features - swimming, fishing, food, stairs to beach - parking, swimming, wash room/toilet facilities, fishing, food, rip currents, leatherback turtles - swimming, fishing, rip currents, surfing - swimming, surfing, camping/day picnics - rip currents - parking, swimming, fishing, snorkelling/ scuba diving - swimming, camping - parking, swimming, life guard, fishing, wash room/toilet facilities - parking, rip currents, leatherback turtles - parking, wash room/toilet facilities, swimming, rip currents, leatherback turtles - Bathing/recreation Bathing/recreation Bathing/recreation Swimming, kayaking, fishing hiking, swimming hiking, swimming hiking, swimming hiking, swimming Completion of this register is important as Trinidad and Tobago focuses on ecotourism as a viable industry and more community-led ecotourism is established. There are a number of sites unique to the area and known only at the community level. These sites will form part of a Register of Natural Tourism Assets of Regional Importance. This Tourism Environmental Assets List will be fully developed by the SGRC in collaboration with TDC, Key Tourism Industry Stakeholders and the NGO and Community Sector. 51 2B: Co-Management Nature Conservation It is important to acknowledge and ensure the protection of the natural resources of the Region, including its forests, wildlife habitats, biodiversity, and the beauty of its landscape. The establishment of co-management systems is one approach in achieving this objective. The lessons of community-led conservation and ecotourism initiatives within the Municipality can be used as a model to develop and strengthen community–led schemes. The National Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme (NRWR) represents an opportunity for community-driven rehabilitation of degraded and deforested areas. At present, there are a number of community groups in the Region involved in the reforestation and forest protection as part of this Programme. It will be important at this point to conduct an evaluation of the Programme and to increase the involvement and collaboration with key partner agencies, including Forestry Division and the Municipal Corporation. 2C: Managing Hillside Development Where hillside development is to be permitted, policies, standards, and guiding principles stipulated in the Hillside Development Policy of the TCPD will be enforced. Included are the following measures which are intended to maintain or maximise slope stability, reduce vulnerability to erosion and landslides, and limit the migration of sediments from hillsides: Minimising of the removal of vegetative cover; Minimising of disturbance caused by cutting and grading of land for buildings/structures, driveways, and roads; Re-vegetating disturbed land within one month of completion of the development; and Prohibiting earthmoving operations on slopes in areas where the soils are vulnerable to erosion or are geologically unstable. In planning and assessing development proposals in hillsides and other sensitive areas the Precautionary Principle will be applied. 2D: Strictly Controlling the Quarries Industry Open-pit quarrying is a major economic activity in the Municipality, but it has resulted in serious environmental challenges and problems for which there has been much debate but little relief. It is critical at this stage of the development of the Municipality to effectively control this industry, not only in light of current concerns but for the sustainability of the industry beyond this present generation. There are a 52 number of activities which are undertaken to bring order to the industry and to minimise negative impacts, including the following: Conduct of an audit of quarries and quarry operations and rationalisation of operations of the industry; Instituting strong regulation and monitoring of quarry operations consistent with best practices and legislative reform; Regularisation and closure of all illegal operations; Operation of a Quarries Rehabilitation Fund based on funds collected at the start of and during operations of quarries; Provision of appropriate levels of security to guard against resource capture, including the establishment an electronic monitoring system to ensure real time information on quarry operations; and Development and implementation of an Abandoned Quarries Rehabilitation Plan initially targeting rehabilitation of spent quarries in Valencia area and including activities such as the relocation of squatters from abandoned quarries, exploring alternative uses of areas for productive activities – fish farming, leisure and recreational activities, etcetera. EM POLICY-3: Protecting Landscapes, Open Spaces, Historical and Cultural Assets 3A: Open Spaces, Landscaped Areas and Outdoor Recreational Facilities The RDP promotes the concept of Eco-lifestyles which recognises the link between the natural environment and human health and wellbeing, and promotes greener ways to stay healthy and all activities that lead to healthy choices and healthier lifestyles. Eco-lifestyles also encourage all communities to know, appreciate and have strong links with their natural and historical heritage. Part of this programme requires the Municipality to have a well developed network of green resources, including open spaces, landscaped areas, and outdoor recreational facilities. The RDP encourages the protection and enhancement of the Municipality‟s open spaces and outdoor recreational facilities for the benefit of all. The provision of publicly accessible open spaces (such as parks and landscaped spaces), and outdoor recreational facilities is the responsibility of both the Municipal Corporation and Central Government agencies, such as the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited, the MOE and, and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs (MSYA). Various private sector organisations have provided open spaces and 53 outdoor recreational facilities for sports. The Region‟s forest resources are under the control of the Forestry Division, while its water resources – rivers, waterfalls, etcetera – fall mainly under the jurisdiction of Drainage Division and the SGRC. At present, it is unclear who is responsible for the historical resources of the Municipality. The specific objective of this Policy is to ensure passive and active recreational uses occur in a manner that is environmentally sensitive and takes place in accordance with the principles of sustainable resource management. The Municipality will: Protect and enhance existing open spaces and sites designated for future provisioning; Ensure availability and accessibility of open spaces and recreational facilities to all groups of the society including children, the elderly, and the disabled; Ensure that designated open spaces are provided as an integral part of new residential development and that suitable provisions be put in place for their management and maintenance in perpetuity; Ensure that the provision of new open space areas and outdoor recreational facilities is in keeping with the environmental conservation principles and helps sustain and enhance biodiversity; and Ensure the development of appropriate facilities and services to support outdoor recreation. 1. Protecting and Enhancing Existing Open Spaces and Sites The demand for recreational resources and leisure time will increase in the short and medium terms as Trinidadians and Tobagonians seek to escape the stressors of their daily lives. Green spaces are an intricate part of the urban landscape maintaining and enhancing environmental quality while facilitating access to outdoor recreation and natural areas, and preserving historical and archaeological sites and structures. A range of such resources already exists in the Municipality. However, their numbers are likely to increase as new residential developments are established. Allocation of land for new open spaces and outdoor recreational facilities is already part of the stipulations for planning approval process for new developments. However, the past trend has been that developers sometimes use these lands for other uses than otherwise designated, to the disadvantage of the neighbouring communities that may not have easy access to open spaces and recreational resources. This trend will stop with the establishment of an appropriate system of monitoring and enforcement of regulations by the SGRC. A minimum standard for the allocation of land for open spaces and outdoor recreation resources and guidelines for their management and use will be developed. Such standards and guidelines will take into account a number of factors including 54 anticipated participation rates, mobility and accessibility by all societal groups, nonrecreational use, environmental principles for conservation and protection of the resource, etcetera. There are in the Municipality open spaces that are being neglected. These open spaces and recreational resources will be rehabilitated and brought back into productive use. Where appropriate, innovative ways will be found to ensure their sustainable management including employing community-led management initiatives. In cases where change of use is being proposed for open spaces and recreation resources, an impact assessment must be conducted which will take into account the cumulative and long term impact of the loss of such spaces. There are several protected areas in the Municipality. The development of these areas (establishment of trails and routes) and their use for recreational activities must not conflict with their traditional uses and with the ecological, conservation and protection objectives of these protected areas. Care must also be taken to preserve scenic routes, green belts and areas of outstanding natural beauty. An inventory of such sites and resources will be developed in the short term and proper signage developed to highlight their presence. In addition, care will be taken to ensure that such areas are not obstructed or considerably devalued by new development. 2. Increasing and Improving Opportunities for Rural Recreation There are some recreational activities which are best undertaken in rural settings including country walks and drives, bicycling, hiking, picnics, and sea bathing. The Municipality has several locations ideal for such activities. However, it is recognised that such pursuits create their own demand for facilities, such as parking, camping sites, cooking facilities, picnic areas, garbage disposal system, etcetera. The RDP, which is in support of these ventures, will encourage local communities offering complementary facilities and services, such as tour guiding and hiking services, and sale of food. Much has to be done to ensure that these outdoor activities are conducted without damage to the environment. There will be collaboration among the main stakeholders which include the Municipal Corporation, Central Government agencies and local communities in developing tourism products and in establishing suitable systems for management of the resources. 3. Sustainable Use of Water Courses as Recreational Resources Many persons use the rivers of the Municipality for recreational purposes - bathing, fishing, riverside cooking, picnicking, etcetera. It will be important to preserve traditional and new sites for recreational use and to provide services to enhance and protect their integrity. Preservation of these sites including undertaking an inventory and providing guidelines for their use, particularly with respect to waste disposal will 55 be a priority. The quality of water in some of these rivers is questionable and can pose health risk to users. An appropriate programme for monitoring of recreational water must be instituted, if the country is to achieve the national development goals by 2020. 3B: Historical and Cultural Heritage The conservation and enhancement of historical heritage of the Municipality can contribute significantly to the quality of life of burgesses and help to develop a sense of municipal pride. This heritage must play a part in the sustainable development of the Municipality. It will be important to strike a balance between protecting and enhancing these resources while at the same time allowing for their use. The specific objective of this policy is to preserve and enhance the Historical and Cultural Heritage of Sangre Grande. There are several places and structures within Sangre Grande that are of cultural heritage significance, some of which has been identified as part of the Situational Report (Annex 1). Notwithstanding the national inventory of sites of historical and cultural heritage significance, the SGRC will develop an inventory for sites, structures and other artefacts within the Municipality in collaboration with relevant Government agencies and NGO and Community Sector. As part of the initial assessment undertaken in preparation of the RDP, a number of sites have been identified that will be considered of cultural heritage value. An audit will be conducted to assess the condition of these identified resources including the issue of ownership and/or control. As a follow-up, it will be critical to devise a management and maintenance plan for those resources and to identify sites and structures for priority protection. At the same time, it will be opportune to set out guidelines and policies for the protection of the historical heritage. EM POLICY-4: Underpin the Development of the Municipality on Relevant Advances in Science and Technology 1. Institutionalising UTT, UWI and Science Infrastructure Support The protection and conservation of the pristine environment of the Northern Range and the coastal waters constitute a permanent responsibility for the Municipal Corporation, the residents of the Sangre Grande Municipality and the country as a whole. The municipal space has not been seen in this light in the past. However, given the strategic importance of the area, as a critical sector in the watershed, and as an ecosystem that influences the climate of the country, and as well as its agriculture and plant and animal life, there is need for constant monitoring of the 56 state of the flora, fauna and other aspects of the eco-system with the most up-todate of scientific tools7. Therefore, the objective here is to bring the Municipality fully into the information age, and secure commitment of the scientific community to deploy their knowledge in the service of R&D and appropriate applications on resources of the Region. The Municipal Corporation should invest in maintaining a relationship with the scientific community of Trinidad and Tobago in such institutions as UTT and UWI, and in the event that either is unable to deploy the relevant personnel, there will be need to develop an appropriate relationship with institutions abroad. There is a scientific community in the rest of the world which would find this Municipality very attractive for the establishment of a long-term arrangement. There will be need to establish facilities to act as a support system in the generation of information, and for the storage of samples and material. The development of protocols on the generation and use of proprietary information that would come out of such scientific analysis will also be necessary. The Municipal Corporation will have the major responsibility in the creation of this high level infrastructure, in terms of a long-term relationship with the local scientific community, and possibly with the outside world. Also of importance will be the establishment of a programme by the Corporation to encourage students in primary and secondary school system and to generate interest in their environment by facilitating and engaging them to conduct their own research, monitoring and documentation on the flora and fauna of their Municipality. The work of the students will be housed at a centralised location to the benefit of people of Sangre Grande and visitors to the Region. 2. Establishing a Citizen Education Thrust The protection of this unique environment depends in large measure on an understanding on the part of the resident population of the riches of the perquisites afforded them by Nature. All residents will be exposed to scientific and technical information on their environment, starting with children at the Primary education level – to be built around an understanding of the Biology and Environmental Science, out of which can develop a sense of collective understanding and ownership of their space, including historic sites which reflect the richness of an earlier past. Primary and secondary school students, whose exposure to Science is built on this platform of their unique natural environment, are likely to become good stewards of their space. The assertion of the importance of scientific knowledge of their space would ensure that young people, including those growing up in the more remote 7 For example, the birds and the bees that inhabit the forests contribute to pollination and generation of plant life both with the forests of the Northern Range and to the agriculture on the plains of Trinidad. 57 communities would develop a deep appreciation for the assets and aesthetics and possibilities of their Region, and would be spared any self-concept of being marginalised. This could result in some considerable number of them being likely to find the Region rewarding enough to remain, rather than to migrate. The main objective here is to increase awareness of residents in the Municipality and of the general public of the bounty provided by Nature, as an effective way of enlisting their commitment to its preservation and to conservation generally. Among the activities that should be undertaken as part of this Programme are the following: Mount popular education programmes on the resources of the area; Encourage visits among the population, especially among students to historic sites in the area, as well as to environmental conservatories; Enlist the support of the educational system – primary and secondary schools – in anchoring much of the Science taught, with the use of the area as a living laboratory; Implement popular quizzes on the history of the area, from the contribution of the First Peoples down to the recent history. EM POLICY-5: Minimising Waste and Pollution It is important to manage the amount of waste generated annually from within the Municipality by reducing the generation of waste where possible, encouraging best use, reuse and recycling of materials, and monitoring and regulating the handling, processing and disposal of municipal waste. Ultimately an effective management system leads to the protection of public health and safety and the environment. Particularly difficult to treat with are tyres and scrap metal/vehicular waste. Increasing car ownership rates will make disposal of these wastes increasingly problematic. Behavioural change is paramount. Buy-in from Local Government, the private sector, and the public is also critical as the Region moves towards the establishment of an effective and efficient integrated waste management system. The MLG is taking the initiative in improving waste management in Trinidad. Solid Waste Management Rules have already been drafted and proposals are in place for the restructuring of the entire sector. The specific objective of this policy is to improve waste management in the Sangre Grande Municipality. The RDP supports the establishment of an Effective Integrated Municipal Waste Management System. The National Action Programme to Combat Land Degradation (2006-2020) has, as one of its short-term objectives, the need to improve municipal solid waste collection and disposal systems as well as to explore the adoption of new technologies in waste disposal. The SGRC in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management 58 Company Limited (SWMCOL) will develop and adopt an integrated municipal waste management system which supports the following: 1. Greater responsibility by individual and corporate burgesses for the waste they generate; 2. A reduction in the amount of waste generated at household and institutional levels; 3. Sorting waste at source; 4. Increasing recycling and re-use of waste; 5. Ensuring compliance with the system by negligent householders, business owners, and other burgesses; 6. Ensuring compliance by garbage haulers contracted by the Municipal Corporation to collect, handle and dispose of municipal waste, and a reduction in illegal dumping by contractors; 7. Proper handling, transport and disposal of hazardous waste including medical and industrial waste; 8. Developing a system and sites within the Municipality for composting of waste; and 9. Cleaning up of illegal dumping sites and regulation of such activities. The SGRC will formulate and implement an action plan which sets out its proposals for reducing the amount of waste reaching the disposal facilities and for improving its waste collection and disposal systems. It is envisaged that waste reaching the landfill can be reduced by 40 percent. This action plan will address the establishment of municipal recycling programme to encourage greater recycling and reuse by their residents. It will also be important for the Corporation to strengthen its system for waste collection and disposal. In addition, the SWMCOL has designated the Municipality for the strategic location of a waste transfer station. EM POLICY-6: Strengthening the Municipal Disaster Management System The SGRC will strengthen the municipal disaster management system, by identifying and reducing risk to disaster and adopting a proactive approach to disaster preparedness and management. 59 5A: Municipal Disaster Management Plan As part of its remit, the SGRC will take the lead in developing a strong and comprehensive disaster management system for the Municipality. This will entail the development and implementation of a Municipal Disaster Management Plan, guided by the National Disaster Management Policy and the Ministry of Local Government Disaster Management Policy, but which will address issues specific to the Region, including: Evacuation of Guayaguayare/Mayaro; Industrial-related disasters; Aviation and shipping accidents; Regional and district early warning systems; Building capacity for community emergency response; Communication strategy for informing burgesses during upset times; and Clear definition of the role of Municipal Corporation, ODPM and MLG. The Plan will provide actions for the three areas of disaster management, namely: Pre-Disaster Management - Prevention, Preparedness and Mitigation; Disaster Response; and Recovery and Rehabilitation. 5C: Shelter Management The SGRC has responsibility for shelter management and will take a proactive approach in the annual identification and evaluation of these, and in ensuring that these facilities meet required standards. The Corporation will also ensure that adequate shelter capacity is in place in the Municipality. Effective collaboration will be required between the Corporation and the MLG, ODPM and disaster response agencies, inter alia, in this activity. 5D: Early Warning Systems In keeping with the National Action Programme to Combat Land Degradation in Trinidad and Tobago, early warning systems will be developed for potential disaster events, such as flooding, and El Niño dry seasons. Strategic vulnerable communities will be targeted in a pilot study in the Municipality for the development of an early warning system for flooding. Lessons in the establishment of an early warning system pilot in the Santa Cruz/San Juan Valley will be incorporated into the programme in the Municipality. 60 EM POLICY-7: Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change There is recognition both at the Central Government and Local Government levels that accelerated global warming and climate change are a reality. The current rate of warming and climate change is as a result of human activity, primarily due to increased emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere as a result of the burning of fossil fuel, industrial processes and waste management. As a Region with an expansive coastline, Sangre Grande faces a heavy toll as its entire coastline is impacted by accelerated coastal erosion. The projected changes in the climate of Trinidad and Tobago will lead to a 1.1-2.6oC increased in atmospheric temperature by 2060, along with less annual rainfall and increased sea level rise. The impact of such changes is expected to be multi-sectoral, affecting agricultural production, human health, human settlements, coastal zone and water resources. The Government has produced a draft Climate Change Policy which is currently being circulated for public review and comments. The Policy provides measures to mitigate and adapt to the impact of Climate Change. At a regional level, the SGRC will: In respect of Mitigation: Support and promote national initiatives to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and will encourage the development and use of renewable energy sources. To this end a study will be undertaken to explore the feasibility of the coastal region as a site for wind-generated energy initiatives; Promote energy saving measures and devices; Promote and support energy-efficient building designs. The Corporation will work with the TCPD and others in developing and enforcing a Green Building Code and energy efficiency standards; and Encourage and support projects that enhance natural carbon sinks through the conservation and protection of forests and natural systems and the reforestation and rehabilitation of denuded areas that contribute to carbon sequestration. The Plan, therefore, supports the Nariva Swamp Restoration and Carbon Sequestration Project currently being undertaken by the EMA in conjunction with neighbouring communities, in replanting some 1339 hectares of the Swamp in areas formerly deforested and degraded by illegal rice farming more than a decade ago. The Plan also supports the replanting of other denuded locations as part of the National Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme (NRWRP) and reforestation projects undertaken by the Forestry Division. However, there is need to review and strengthen the NRWRP initiatives. 61 In respect of Adaptation: Support public education and social marketing initiatives through its Green Lifestyles and Contractor Compliance Programmes and other initiatives; Develop its information system to collect data on the impact of climate change; Work with MOWT and other State agencies with responsibility infrastructural development and natural resource management: for implementation of recommendations of Flood Mitigation and Integrated Watershed Studies in the Region; development of flood risk management guidelines for the Region; development of a coastal protection strategy for southeast Trinidad, which includes the identification of coastal protection and defence mechanisms; and conduct and implementation of recommendations of risk assessments to manage risks associated with landslides and erosion. 62 Economic Development (ED) Introduction The population of Sangre Grande is fully seized of the possibilities for putting the Municipality on to a new platform of economic growth and development. On the basis of the response of its residents to the regional and integrated development planning processes, it is clear that they are committed to repositioning their Municipality from being a lagging region, and to creating a dynamic one that is consistent with the principles of sustainable development. The relative success of community groups in changing their circumstances might have helped to create a shared vision of a possibilities consciousness that involves bringing the Municipality into the mainstream of 21st century, with due regard to the horrendous mistakes that have been made in areas with similarly fragile eco-systems. Sustainability and citizens‟ participation seem to be the hallmarks of the approach to economic development that has been led in the context of a consultative framework set by the communities themselves. The idea is to support and facilitate economic development driven by the people across a range of economic activities that will provide jobs and livelihoods within the Municipality. Generation of economic growth in the Municipality must be informed and guided by the principles of sustainable development. Policy Objectives The objectives of the Economic Development Policies and Proposals are to: Expand productive potential and generate viable employment opportunities within the Municipality, centred on its natural resource base; Stimulate continued economic growth activity in agriculture, ecotourism, and community-based tourism, fishing, quarrying, conservation, and water production; and Support existing community-based economic activities through a series of instruments – financial, training, scholarship, provision of facilities. 63 Policies and Proposals ED POLICY-1: Economic Drivers for Sangre Grande The economy of Sangre Grande will be driven by the following sectors over the next 10 years: Tourism/Ecotourism/Community-based Tourism – which would rely on the resources that are available within the various localities; Agriculture – short-term crop production, tree crop agriculture; livestock production – cattle rearing, poultry production, beekeeping; floriculture; Fisheries – marine fishing; fish farming; Fish and Agro-processing – packaging and chilling facilities, subsequent product/produce transformation Financial Services – in the town of Sangre Grande, Toco and Valencia; Quarrying – sand, gravel, blue and yellow limestone, quartz sand; Commerce and Distribution – including micro and small businesses, in main urban centres with smaller distribution outlets in other communities; Upgraded Public Services o Administration, Court House, Fire Station, Policing, Health Care Services, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Technical Vocational Education, Youth and Sports Centre in Sangre Grande Proper; o Fire Station, Court House, Hospital, Policing, Primary and Secondary Education in Toco; o Policing, Health Care Facility, Primary and Secondary Schools to service areas in Valencia; o Policing, Health Care Facility, Primary and Secondary Education in Cumuto; and o Early Childhood Centres throughout the Municipality. New industries – water production. There is also the fact that there is a burgeoning extractive sector of gas and oil offshore of the Municipality, which if managed properly, can contribute some employment and other benefits to the area. 64 ED POLICY-2: Branding the Municipality as a Location for Traditional Tourism and for Eco-tourism. The area is rich in endowments that allow it to participate in a number of niches in the tourism marketplace as recognised by the residents of the area and their Municipal Corporation. Over the last two decades, there have emerged a number of hotel and guest house establishments in the north-east of the municipality. The area has long been popular for domestic tourism, especially for those seeking solitude and peace in seaside locations. There are also a few beaches and rivers that have been popular over the years for day-trips, especially on holidays and on weekends. More recently, there has been the attraction of the turtles along the coastline that attract a number of visitors. Sun and Sea: The area may not have the beaches of a Barbados, but there are conditions for bathing in an idyllic environment, with sun, sea and sand in some locations. While there is need to encourage hotels and guest houses to attract tourists to the area, it may be appropriate to avoid mass tourism with large hotel establishments. The Corporation of the municipality is well advised to promote smaller establishments, possibly with the market targeted at the higher end. Eco-tourism: The area is blessed with a rainforest that is a treasure trove in respect of the flora and fauna. The oil bird is perhaps the best known, but there are other rare species of avian life, let alone the wildlife which inhabits the second largest forest in the country. The terrestrial resource of virgin forest and wildlife, is equally matched by the maritime splendour. At least twelve types of turtles nest on the shores of the Municipality. Indeed, the community thrust to conservation and protection of the turtles taken about a decade ago seems to be paying off in the return of an increasing number of turtles to the shores across the entire north and east coasts of Trinidad. Northeast Trinidad Resort Anchor and the East Coast Scenic Corridor: The Tourism Master Plan of 1995 called for the Northeast Trinidad Resort Anchor and the East Coast Scenic Corridor, starting in Toco stretching all the way to Guayaguayare. Already the Northeast Trinidad Anchor has expanded to include the entire M2M subregion, with strong tourism development experienced in Grande Riviere, Salybia and Matura, and Toco and Fishing Pond to a lesser extent. At this juncture it would be important to rationalise and develop tourism strategies for the holistic development of these areas. There are also the potential of Greater Tamana and others parts of the Municipality for ecotourism development. The objective of this policy is to raise the profile of the municipality as a destination for domestic, regional and international tourism, on the basis of its range of physical amenities. A number of activities will be considered: 1. Developing a special branding and marketing strategy for the Municipality as the Premier Ecotourism Destination of the Caribbean. 65 2. Mounting of regular programmes for residents in conserving and protecting the environment, including fauna and flora of the area; 3. Developing and implementing programmes to educate residents in hosting visitors and the public generally, to ensure high level of courtesy at all times; to provide regular information updates on state of the environment and inculcate a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents in respect of their role in conservation and protection; 4. Training of interested members of the community in the running of small guest establishments targeted at the upper end of the clientele market; 5. Providing signage across entire Municipality; 6. Providing nature trails to facilitate visitors; 7. Providing facilities for visitors to beaches, rivers and other locations likely to attract visitors – changing rooms, toilets and baths, parking and information booths; 8. Continuous training of tour guides, lifeguards; and 9. Collaborating with the school system of the municipality to ensure that students gain exposure to Science, especially biological sciences, through the rich environment of the Municipality. ED POLICY-3 Promoting and Supporting Community-based Tourism Apart from private sector-led tourism, emphasis will be placed on promoting and supporting community-based tourism as a means of economic development, whereby the social, environmental and economic needs of local communities in Sangre Grande can be met through the offering of a range of community-devised and or/community-led initiatives to attract and entertain visitors. Activities under this category which will form part of the Sangre Grande tourism product include: Nature tourism/Ecotourism (turtle watching, bird watching); Historical tourism (historic sites, community and family history, event enactment); Agro-tourism (farm visits, farm stays); Soft adventure (hiking, kayaking); Cultural tourism (cuisine preparation and sampling, local stories, legends); Wellness tourism; and Research tourism. Community-based tourism is already prominent in the M2M sub-region, with a number of CBOs and umbrella NGOs working within their communities and conducting tourism-oriented activities, centred on nature, ecotourism and soft 66 adventure attractions. However, there is a need to further development efforts through: strengthen its Clear definition of the various types of tourism activities which fall under this category. This must be a participatory process and consensus reached as the Region moves forward. Expanding the number of activities forming part of the Sangre Grande community-based tourism experience. Strategically located facilities, totally integrated and compatible with the local environment and unique in design and character. A scenic and well interpreted touring route coordinated among the CBOs that provide high quality access to marine, riverine and rainforest environments. Small-scale resort developments that focus on the marine, rainforest and agricultural environment, consistent with the objectives for the corridor product. At present the M2M, and to a lesser extent Fishing Pond, is emerging as a destination of choice with respect to the ecotourism and community-based tourism activities. It will be important to duplicate this model in the other subregions, namely: Greater Tamana – Tamana Caves/Forests/Rivers; Manzanilla – Farms/Beach/Vistas/Swamp/Turtles; North Manzanilla – Forest/Farms/Coastline/turtles; and Valencia – Forest/Rehabilitated Abandoned Quarry Lands. At the same time it would be important to strengthen the current M2M product. There are communities within the region which must be strengthened in order to be able to effectively function as a regional product. Some emphasis must there be placed on bringing them up to par and facilitating their development. All in all, emphasis should also be placed on sustaining the current forest environment, the bays, and rivers and the vistas and the tranquillity of the various locations which form part of their character. Thus, tourism development should be in harmony with the natural environment. Equally important is the need to reduce the potential for large concentrations of visitors in any one place. Spreading out the visitor sites and facilities will facilitate spread of the income stream, greater enjoyment for both visitors and service providers, and less pressure on the Region‟s natural resources. It would also be important to have an industry self-monitoring system, including a code of conduct in place as well as to promote responsible and sustainable patterns of behaviour at the various levels, by promoting best practices among operators and encouraging responsible consumer behaviour. 67 ED POLICY-4: Positioning the Municipality to be a Key Contributor to the Breadbasket of Trinidad and Tobago, to Satisfying the Food Security Needs of the Nation and the Development of a Viable Floriculture Sub-sector. The undoubted agricultural capacity of the area needs to be revisited, especially since the country is now more sensitive to the strategic importance of addressing its food security needs, following the substantial escalation in food prices that occurred in late 2007 and early 2008. Indeed, the Municipality is well endowed with capacity for a relatively diversified agriculture, by way of vegetable production, tree crop agriculture, animal husbandry, and poultry production. There are areas like Cumaca that seem to be blessed with excellent soil for root crop production and tree crop agriculture. Vegetable production can be promoted in North Oropouche and Fishing Pond in the North Manzanilla/Fishing Pond sub-region, animal husbandry in the Valencia area, and poultry production in Greater Tamana. There can be a return to cocoa and coffee production in other locations, along the north coast in the M2M area, and also among hinterland communities like Tamana and Cumuto in the Greater Tamana sub-region. Greater Tamana and M2M, and other locations in the Municipality offer good possibilities for floriculture. Training and extension services will be required to realise the potential that exists in this field. On the other hand, there will be need to ensure that the regime employed in the management of floriculture is not reliant on high application of chemicals pesticides, which may compromise sustainable land use and impact negatively on other resources of the area. The main objective of this policy is the revitalization of the agricultural potential of the Municipality. The main activities to be undertaken in the realization of this objective are as follows: Develop infrastructure to support productive agriculture in the Municipality – agricultural access roads, irrigation and drainage control systems. This will be undertaken in the first instance in the designated Food Basket Areas identified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources (Table 6). Other Areas will be targeted based on demand. 68 Table 6: Food Basket Designated Areas in the Sangre Grande Municipality Name of Food Basket Location 100-150 >100 Approximate Size of Total Food Basket (ha) >200 >200 Approx Area under Cultivation (%) >75 41-60 Mixed crops Mixed crops 101-150 >200 >75 Mixed crops No of Farmers Type of Farming Tamanaquita Cumana Degannes & Jawahir Tamana Cumana Guaico Tamana/ Cunaripo Cumuto Cumuto 200 1,500 >75 Plum Mitan Plum Mitan Toco/Sans Souci/Matelot >100 >200 41-80 Crops and livestock Crops 50-100 >300 21-40 Crops, livestock 25-50 >125 60 Toco Tamana Hill Road Tamana Hill Fishing Pond John’s Road off Genda Road Manzanilla El Recuerdo Vega Cumaca Manzanilla Manzanilla Vega de Oropouche Valencia Crops 76-100 >200 61-80 >75 >75 >100 >100 >60 >25 Mixed vegetables, poultry, food crops Crops/ livestock Tree crops >100 >200 >80 Crops/ livestock 25-50 51-100 21-40 Mixed Collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Production to ensure effective extension services across the municipality; Engage farming community in pest control regimes to limit negative environmental impacts; Develop and maintain effective farm-to-market systems; Provide training and upgrading programmes for existing and prospective operations in Floriculture; Provide extension services, in association with Ministry of Agriculture in Floriculture; and Provide regular information to farmers and the public in the use of biological and other controls pest management. 69 ED POLICY-5: Developing Viable Income-Generating and Employment Creation Possibilities in Fisheries, with Special Reference to the M2M, North Manzanilla/Fishing Pond and Manzanilla Sub-Regions, along with the Development of Aquaculture as a Niche Market Activity There are a number of landing sites in the area. However, lack of chilling facilities and the limitations of the road infrastructure have been the main constraints in the growth and development of the Fisheries sector, with the result that it attracts few young people as a viable and promising economic activity. The elimination of the infrastructure constraints may act as a catalyst to the exploitation of the fisheries which can provide sustainable livelihoods to some percentage of the population and ensure that the inshore and offshore waters are no longer exploited only by non-national fishers: it is known that there are nationals of other countries who are engaged in the exploitation of the waters along the coastline of Trinidad. There are also swamp-like conditions in some regions of the municipality which might be amenable to aquaculture operations, especially in the North Manzanilla/Fishing Pond area. The key objective here is to upgrade the Fisheries Sector as a viable economic activity in the Municipality. This will involve the following: Establishment of chilling and freezing facilities at convenient locations along the coastline to serve fishers in their respective communities; Development of public/private/community partnerships in the management and running of chilling and freezing facilities; Encouragement of cooperative marketing of fish products; Facilitation of fish processing operations at Sangre Grande Industrial Estate and in two satellite locations in the Municipality, in the M2M sub-region; Collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Production and Fisheries in generation and provision of information on Fish Stocks, and in institutionalising the monitoring of stocks; and Development and facilitation of aquaculture in appropriate locations in the Municipality. One possibility is the rehabilitation and utilisation of abandoned quarry lands for fish farming. ED POLICY-6: Stimulating Industrial Capacity in the Municipality, Starting with Agro-processing Operations Linked to the Food Production Sector The objective is the restoration and expansion of the productive potential of the Municipality and the creation of attractive employment opportunities across a wide swath of communities in the sub-regions of the Municipality. This calls for the rebuilding and transformation of the Market in Sangre Grande, and provision of a 70 Farmers‟ Market to assist in the distribution and marketing of agricultural produce from the Municipality. Emphasis is to be placed on the development of agro-industry with linkages to new and traditional agricultural activity and the fisheries sector within the Municipality. There is an important need to establish an industrial estate in Sangre Grande or environs, with an agro-processing bias in the first instance, and also giving consideration to the development of smaller plants or home-based industries in the other sub-regions. Of equal importance will be the promotion of the entry of firms into the industrial estate, which are willing to engage in agro-processing and related activity. One option is to provide space for incubator and other manufacturing activities for new entrepreneurs seeking to develop productive enterprises on the basis of innovative ideas and projects emanating from UTT, UWI and other tertiary establishments. A special incubator programme should be developed which caters for students with viable business ideas, who can be identified, targeted and supported as part of a programme for developing young entrepreneurs. A viable agricultural sector should support viable agro-processing, starting with packaging and chilling facilities and ultimately product/produce transformation. Sangre Grande, as a central location, should become the base for an industrial complex specialising in agro-processing operations. This supports the need for an industrial estate largely devoted to food processing and agro-processing activities. ED POLICY-7: Ensuring that Quarrying Operations are Conducted in Such a Way as to Facilitate Rehabilitation of Abandoned Spent Quarry Lands, Reduce Environmental Degradation and Contribute to Positive Regional Development The Municipality is the source of a substantial supply of sand, gravel and other aggregate used in the construction industry of Trinidad as well as Tobago. There is also substantial illegal quarrying in the area. On both counts, it cannot be said that best practice is being observed. The result is that major negative environmental consequences ensue from this activity in the Municipality. There have even been attempts at resource capture by criminal groups. It is likely that the Valencia and other sub-regions will continue to be an important source for quarrying materials over the next 10 years. The objective is to rationalise and develop an orderly approach to quarrying in the Municipality. The activities outlined in the Section on Environmental Management Policies and Proposals will be implemented. In addition consideration will be given to establishing an appropriate infrastructure, including security and policing of the system for the operations of the industry. Effective collaboration and cooperation is required between the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the SGRC, Forestry and the EMA. Consideration should be given to the SGRC operating its own quarry as an income generation activity and to reduce expenditure costs. Greater benefits must also be returned to the Municipality from the operations of these quarries and also from its role as a major water 71 producing area. Therefore, it will be important to the SGRC to meet with the respective Central Government and statutory agencies and the Quarry Industry Association to identify ways where mutual benefits can be derived from the conduct of these activities within its jurisdiction. ED POLICY-8: Encouraging, through the Physical Planning Process, the Provision of Space to a Basic Range of Private Businesses. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is committed to the promotion of SMEs. In that regard, there is need to ensure that the population shares in the benefits afforded to new entrepreneurs in the access to the credit and training assistance provided by such institutions as NEDCO and the Business Development Company (BDC). The area might have suffered repressed entrepreneurship from the unavailability of credit, having regard to the lack of stimuli provided to the sectors in which income and employment creation might have been possible in the area. The state institutions and as well the private sector - credit unions, banks and other financial intermediaries providing credit – need to be made aware of the prospects for the growth industries of the area. SMEs are likely to predominate in agro-processing, and fish processing, distribution, commerce and the range of services that tend to develop around concentrations of population. A growing market economy is likely to generate activity and expanded demand for: Supermarkets and small groceries; Fresh produce and fruit supply stores; Department stores and dry goods suppliers; Restaurant and Fast Foods outlets; Automotive supplies and fuel; Medical and Dental Services; Legal Services; Other personal services – fitness centres, laundries, hairdressing, tailoring and beautician operations; and Funeral Parlours. barber shops, The areas of population concentration in dispersed development are likely to trigger demand for such services, which are already very evident in Sangre Grande, but are likely to emerge in Valencia, Cumuto, Matura, and Toco, and in other locations that attract larger settlements. Support for business development may allow some of the emerging enterprises to develop a reach beyond the immediate community. Indeed, 72 some SMEs may well become involved in the provision of the export of goods and services. Not all income generating activities will be private. In particular, the development of eco-tourism in the area will include a substantial presence of community based organisations: the “M to M” already establishes the commitment of CBOs to manage their space to ensure sustainability but also to secure income from their efforts. The support of the Ministry of Community Development and of the Cooperative Department will be necessary to ensure that the „business model‟ that could allow for effective community participation and equitable distribution of benefits can be maintained for the foreseeable future, and surely over the plan period. The objective here is to ensure that in each sub-region there is an increasing range of private businesses that are required by residents as part of their every-day living in a modern Trinidad and Tobago. To make this a reality, it will be important to allocate or earmark space for SMEs in the respective sub-regions. In addition, the SGRC will collaborate with such agencies as NEDCO and BDC in the provision of loans to SMEs across the sub-regions, and in monitoring the level of development of SMEs in the respective sub-regions. ED POLICY-9: Distributing the Provision of Certain Financial Services to Ensure Better Access for Residents. A dynamic municipality requires a supporting Financial Services Sector to facilitate transactions that are at the centre of economic activity. Sangre Grande has been the home for a number of service providers in the Financial Services Sector. However, residents and businesses in most communities have to journey long distances to access these services. This has meant also that Sangre Grande dominates business and Commerce in the Municipality since residents have to go there for financial transactions. The objective is to ensure availability of financial services within easier reach of residents of the Municipality. Several strategies are to be considered: The allocation of space and facilitate banking and other financial services in Toco and Valencia; Encouraging and lobbying for the establishment of ATMs in selected locations to facilitate services to various for far-flung communities across the Municipality; and Encouraging credit unions to modernise their technology and facilitate ATM access. 73 ED POLICY-10: Facilitating the Reach of Basic Commercial and Distributional Services across the Municipality In the context of the pattern of balanced development being promoted, there are some communities that will still grow more quickly than others. These are likely to serve as important district centres for other areas. Valencia has already established itself in this regard. Toco and Cumuto and to a lesser extent Manzanilla and Matura can be seen as other candidates for orderly expansion of Commerce and Distribution, in their respective sub-regions. The objective is to ensure geographic balance in distribution of Commerce and Distribution across the various sub-regions of the Municipality. To facilitate this, space should be earmarked during the local area planning phase for commerce and distribution activities in the respective subregions. ED POLICY-11: Providing Public Services to the Residents of the Municipality Which Should Comply with the Principle of Equity of Access Across the Country. The Municipality requires a major upgrade in the services of public administration available to the citizenry. These include such basic requirements as the provision of identification cards, passports, drivers‟ licences, birth certificates and social welfare payments. User friendliness and ease of access should be the hall-mark of the upgrade. Sangre Grande is likely to continue as the central node in the supply of such services. A more appropriate administrative complex – one stop shop – is required for centralisation of basic services. The objective is to guarantee basic services of citizenship are available at a centralised location within the Municipality, and in particular at the Main Administrative Building of the Municipal Authority of Sangre Grande. The Government in collaboration with SGRC and private sector should establish structures to provide such services needed by residents of the municipality as identification cards, passports, drivers‟ licences, birth certificates and social welfare payments. ED POLICY-12: Supporting the Emergence of New Industries The uniqueness of the Sangre Grande environment can provide opportunities not realised in other regions of the country which can be converted into businesses. It is important to create the type of environment where such ideas, research findings, etcetera can be easily converted into business opportunities. This means that there must be strong linkages between research and business development. 74 The Municipality is strategically located in close proximity to the new University of Trinidad and Tobago Main Campus, which with strategic links, can provide the scientific and intellectual foundation in support of much of the development that can be undertaken in the municipality. Although further away in terms of location, the University of the West Indies has to be seen as another source for personnel with the science and technological information on which can be founded the industrial and economic transformation platform of the Municipality. Indeed, its amenity resources are unique such that it might attract think-tanks from other universities and research organisations outside of Trinidad and Tobago, especially if the Corporation markets the municipality as a location committed to environmental sustainability of its unique terrestrial and maritime space, in its efforts to create decent incomes for the people of the area. The information revolution allows the municipality to market itself in this regard. The Region can become a premier location in the world context of eco-friendly development of fragile ecosystems. It would be ironic that the world might discover the perquisites of the Sangre Grande area before residents and citizens of Trinidad. In that regard, UTT and UWI have a vested interest in being involved in an effort that might bring international repute to these two institutions. The objective is to provide a supporting environment within the Region which can identify, facilitate the start up of new and innovative industries. The SGRC will liaise with UTT, UWI, NEDCO, BDC, and other relevant organisations to continuously identify opportunities within the Municipality for the promotion of innovation and research and development, thus develop strong linkages between research and business. In addition the SGRC will promote the location of new business and industry in the Municipality that is generated from innovation processes which would help to promote its brand as an eco-centre of excellence. ED POLICY 13: Providing the Resources for Sangre Grande Municipal Centre to Benchmark the Municipality as a Vibrant Region, Contributing with Its Unique Amenities to the Development of the Country. The Municipal Corporation has been successful in engendering a strong commitment on the part of the business community of Sangre Grande to the physical upgrade of the town and to the creation of major developments, namely Pueblo Nuevo and Vision City. The town will draw inspiration from its roots in the early post-Columbian period, in restoring itself as a regional growth pole. The objective is to reconfirm the status of the town as a major urban centre and modern market town in the east of Trinidad, and as the administrative centre for the Municipality. 75 A major requirement is the complementing of public and private investment in infrastructure of the town centre, with the private sector committed to upgrading the facade of buildings in keeping with a coherent architectural design. There is need for the building of a ring road around the town, complemented by the articulation of streets, such that there is the appropriate balance among residential accommodation and administrative, business and commercial uses. The objective is to raise the profile of Sangre Grande by developing a befitting town centre that recalls its earlier history as a vibrant and dynamic location tapping the energy of the surrounding communities, when cocoa was king, by attracting investment from both within and outside the Region. Key activities will be to: Finalise and implement local area plan for all of the town of Sangre Grande; Develop and strengthen public/private partnerships and collaboration in the enhancement of the town centre of Sangre Grande; Invest in ring road around Sangre Grande; Ensure coherence in architectural designs among buildings in the town and especially in the town centre; and Facilitate significant office development in Sangre Grande town centre and the promotion of the town as a cheaper and people friendly environment for commercial business development. 76 Transportation (TP) Introduction The real purpose of transportation is access to socio-economic activities, and includes both ambulatory and vehicular modes, both human and mechanically powered. And in today‟s environmental sensitivity, there is an added emphasis on employing techniques and technologies to improve that access and managing traffic congestion, while simultaneously reducing environmental, social and climate change impacts. In the context of the development of Sangre Grande, this would translate into optimising movement and minimising the cost of movement within and outside the Region, with costs including time, out-of-pocket costs, vehicle operation – fuel, oil, tire, depreciation and depletion, and crew costs (for commercial vehicles) – and insurance, all of which directly translate into increased cost of the socio-economic activities that transportation facilitates. Vision 2020 operational plan for physical infrastructure lays out the Policy Context for the RDP, as follows: “Physical infrastructure shapes and supports the living environment and is an important determinant of the extent to which our economic, social and environmental goals can be achieved. The goal is to create high quality, functional and aesthetically appealing infrastructure that supports the economic, social, physical and cultural transformation necessary to achieve Vision 2020.” For Sangre Grande, transportation infrastructure will be dominated by roads for the foreseeable future. This road surface transportation network of main roads, local roads and agricultural feeder roads provides essential connectivity within the Municipality, as well as with the neighbouring Municipalities to the West and South. This connectivity, however, must be sufficient to support year round public and private transport of people and goods, both by private and public means, particularly to and from their place of work, the movement of industrial products and equipment, the farm-to-market movement of agricultural products, and the market-to-farm movement of agricultural supplies and infrastructural materials and equipment. The transportation infrastructure to enable this must be developed, rehabilitated, and subsequently maintained at levels of surface and structural conditions for the roads and bridges, respectively, sufficient to support the projected heavy vehicle volumes and loads, consistent with Vision 2020 Goal of a “modern physical infrastructure that embodies the highest standard of quality, aesthetics and functionality”. Likewise it is critical to cater for and improve the movement of residents and visitors within the Municipality and the infrastructure that facilitate this process. Equally important is the need to provide for walking and cycling safely including the provisions for bicycle parking. Given the call for national social inclusiveness all facilities should be developed with People with Disabilities (PWDs), children and the elderly in mind. 77 Connectivity must also include Sangre Grande strategic location in relation to Tobago, hence the call for the development of a modern port facility at Toco which will facilitate interisland movement of locals and visitors to and from the area. Policy Objective The objective of the Transportation Policies and Proposals is to develop an improved, integrated and friendly transport infrastructure and system which will improve access in support of sustainable socioeconomic development and travel within and outside the Municipality. Policies and Proposals The Sangre Grande Municipality‟s relative underdevelopment vis-à-vis regions in northwest Trinidad, provides a unique opportunity and challenge to achieve its strategic vision. Central to equitable service is ubiquitous transportation. The Sangre Grande Transportation Policies and Proposals through to 2020 will cover solutions falling under the umbrella of development of new roads and maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction and upgrading of existing rights of way, for the Central Government (major), municipal and agricultural feeder roads. The overall Transportation Municipal Programme also includes pedestrian, bicycle, taxi and bus transport, and the attendant traffic management issues and plans. And given the prospects for further development of sea and air transport to support the offshore oil and gas explorations at Pt. Galeota, tourism and emergency response, directives that follow include the associated infrastructure. TP POLICY-1: Meaningful Cooperation and Collaboration between the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation and Other Agencies/Organisations with Responsibility for Transportation and Public Transport 1. Sustainable transportation solutions required to achieve the Municipal and National Transportation Objectives necessitate a close and continuous working relationship and collaboration between SGRC and all key partner agencies with responsibility for transportation and travel, including MMOWT (Highways Division, Traffic Management, PURE), MALMR, Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT), RDC, PTSC, neighbouring Municipal Corporations, taxi and maxi taxi associations. Also key to these improvements will be the proposed Roads Authority which in the future is expected to have major responsibility for road transportation. Consideration should be given to the establishment of an asset management database for the municipality, which will feed into a national asset management system. 78 TP POLICY-2: Promoting and Supporting a Modal Shift from Private Cars to More Sustainable Transport Modes such as Public Transport, Walking and Cycling 1. The RDP recognises that greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on climate change present a major global challenge to the environment and the need for transportation to make its contribution to the global response to this challenge. The Municipality will promote and facilitate the adoption of more sustainable and environmentally friendly forms of transportation, in keeping with the municipal thrust towards eco-lifestyle choices and sustainable environmental management. This regional policy is also in keeping with the national transportation goals set for Vision 2020. POLICY TP-3: Development, Rehabilitation, Maintenance of Central Government Main Road Surfaces and Bridges in a State of Good Repair, Including All Applicable Appurtenances. 1. As part of its National Highways Programme, the MOWT proposes the construction of a ring road around Sangre Grande and an extension of the CRH from Wallerfield to Manzanilla. The alignment for the CRH extension starts at Cumuto, proceeding south and east along the old abandoned railway reserve crossing the EMR, passing to the north of the Sangre Grande town centre onto Manzanilla. The entire length of the new route is about 32 km and consists of four-lane dual carriageway with landscaping and highway lighting, seven major interchanges, three overpass bridges, four major river bridges and retaining walls. 2. In the long term there will be need to determine the feasibility for the development of the link road between Blanchisseuse and Matelot. 3. Regarding the Central Government (Primary) Road Network within the boundaries of the Sangre Grande Municipality, the cooperation of the MOWT will be required to secure the necessary improvements to these roads. Emphasis must be placed on upgrading and maintaining the following roads in accordance with best practices guidelines. a. Eastern Main Road; b. Valencia Main Road; c. Toco Main Road; d. Paria Main Road; e. Sangre Grande Oropouche Road; f. Cunapo Southern Main Road; and g. Guaico Tamana Road. 79 Priority must be given in the short term to the rehabilitation and upgrading of the following roads: a. Toco Main Road b. Paria Main Road c. Guaico-Tamana Road. TP POLICY-4: Development, Rehabilitation, Maintenance of Municipal Secondary (Local) Roads, Road Surfaces and Bridges in a State of Good Repair, Including All Applicable Appurtenances. 1. Through collaboration with the MOWT and other road agencies the SGRC will undertake, facilitate and support improvements in the Municipal Secondary Roads Network. The following roads will be given to be priority in the short term: Table 7: Priority Roads in Need of Improvement in the Short Term Roads Caigual Road Location Northern side of the EMR Gadjadhar Road Southern side on the EMR South of Sangre Grande town centre Bakers Extension Street Repso Road Plum Mitan Road Links the Sangre Grande Oropouche Road to Toco Main Road South from Sangre Grande along the eastern edge of the region and is a linkage to Rio Claro via Biche. Status Road surface is uneven and in poor condition; narrow culvert close to its intersection with the EMR; no sidewalks poor surface, sharp curves in some areas Road surface is in fair condition; no sidewalks or centre line markings; pose risk as a by-pass No sidewalks Road surface in many areas is fair to poor with potholes and broken edges. Pedestrian facilities are limited and there are either no sidewalks or sidewalks on only one side in several areas. Variations and/or adjustments to this list will be made as projects progress. 80 TP POLICY-5: Maintenance of Existing and Development of New Agriculture Feeder-Farm-to-Market Roads and Bridges in a State of Good Repair, Including All Applicable Appurtenances. 1. Agricultural access roads are critical infrastructure to the Sangre Grande Municipality, with a significant percentage of the regional income being generated through agriculture. In addition, some agricultural roads are also used in other industries – tourism industry and quarries industry. A number of agricultural areas has been designated as „Food Baskets,‟ (Table 6) and therefore are targeted for development which includes upgrading and development of agricultural feeder road network. A detailed inventory and assessment of the agricultural feeder road network is required with first priority given to development and upgrading of those in the designated food basket areas. A second phase in the long term can address roads in other areas that are deemed priority by through community feedback and demand. TP POLICY-6: Privately and Publicly Provided Public Transportation Service, in Respect of Ubiquity and Frequency 1. The call for greater use of mass transit systems must be accompanied by a better bus transportation system both to support inter-and intra-regional travel. The recent upgrade of the PTSC Sangre Grande facilities will help to facilitate intraregional connections. Throughout the Municipality there have been calls for better public bus services to remote rural areas where at present the population has serious challenges in securing regular transportation. The Plan recommends that a roundtrip service between Sangre Grande and Matelot in the first instance. A comprehensive study will be required of the status of the town of Sangre Grande as a local centre, and the transportation requirements that spring from that. Based on the outcome of the study the service on other routes should be introduced as the PTSC rationalises and expands its rural transport services. It would be important here for Government to consider that public transportation like other public services should form part of the package of basic services to ensure quality living in rural communities. However, improved public transportation is directly related to upgrading the conditions of the main road system. 2. Any future development of the town centre needs to consider the facilities for public paratransit (taxis and maxi-taxis). There needs to be a review of the location and operation of taxi-stands in the area, and the implementation of measures to control behavior at these stands. The Government will have to introduce legislation to create posts of Traffic Wardens. An efficient group of wardens can make a great difference to the image of the town. 81 3. A major exercise will be the assessment of possible locations for a paratransit hub to accommodate the maxi-taxis and possibly taxis servicing the region. Such a hub should include proper amenities for drivers as well as passengers; street furniture; pleasant and safe approaches to the area in recognition of the fact that walking is a major part of public transport, and the walk itself must as aesthetically appealing as possible; signs indicating the various destinations; and police controls for the general safety of passengers and the civilising of the whole operation. Efforts will be made by the SGRC to work with operators to develop the necessary facilities and amenities at the hub. 4. The Corporation will work with privately supplied public transport operators such as maxi-taxi and traditional taxi drivers in improving the service to the public. 5. The development of the Trinidad Rapid Rail Transit System (TRRTS) is a major investment in national transport infrastructure and will have a profound effect on travel patterns both within the Sangre Grande and to the major centres to the west. The MOWT proposes the development and operation of a rapid rail transit system in the two major urban corridors of Trinidad, namely the East/West and North/South Corridors. The roll-out of the Arima to Sangre Grande leg of the system is expected to be developed in the fifth and final phase. Details of the alignment for this leg of the project has not been finalised, but planning for this phase should begin during the latter period of this planning horizon. The proposed design capacity of the system is 14,000 passengers per hour per peak direction. The SGRC will monitor the progress of this critical initiative in light of significant impacts it is likely to have on transportation and socioeconomic development in the Municipality. TP POLICY-7: Undertaking Traffic and Transport Impact Assessments for Major Developments within the Municipal Centre The SGRC will require Traffic and Transportation Impact Assessments to be undertaken for any major developments within the Sangre Grande town to assess the traffic impacts on the surrounding road network and provide measures to mitigate any adverse impacts - all in accordance with best practice guidelines. Traffic and Transportation Impact Assessments will guide, should there the need for it, the nature of any road improvements required as a result of the implementation of the proposed projects. 82 TP POLICY-8: Improving Traffic Flow and Management in the Urban Centres 1. The SGRC will work with the Traffic Management Branch (TMB) to monitor and improve traffic and transportation situations in the Municipality. At present, that liaison exists, but it is recognised that the TMB would require the assistance of the Municipal Corporation to carry out its traffic mandate. The SGRC will take the lead in the identification of problems and traffic issues within the Municipality. This requires more than police identifying congestion, but in reporting, for example, on the difficulties residents have in obtaining public transport from strategic areas. The Corporation will organise a system for the collection of the information which can be used by the TMB for traffic management and others. 2. The responsibility for traffic regulation and enforcement rests with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Services (TTPS). The new municipal corporation legislation will result in the establishment of a Municipal Police Service and the establishment of traffic wardens. The Region will re-examine the role of the Municipal Police Service and its new functions with a view to improving traffic management. 3. The RDP recognises that some of congestion is caused by the operations of some businesses (such as gasoline service stations, hardware stores and groceries) in the major urban centres. The Corporation will take a more proactive role in monitoring and regulating these businesses. 4. The TPRC will, in collaboration with the TCPD and the TMB, update its assessment rules and methodologies. The location of exits, provision of adequate parking, and in the case of large malls, even the internal circulation, will all be considered before Planning Permission is granted to build. TP POLICY-9: Making Sangre Grande a Pedestrian Friendly Location 1. The Plan recognises the need to encourage and facilitate pedestrian activities. As a result, the town centres will be reconfigured as walkable centres, with due attention given to appropriate pedestrian right-of-way networks, as well as bicycle and motorcycle rights-of-way and parking facilities, as integral components of the streetscapes. 2. The Plan promotes the shared use of bicycle and motorised movements through road surface intersections, as well as along the roadway links. 83 TP POLICY-10: Traffic Safety Rules and Regulations Governing the Shared Use of the Roadway Right-of-Way. 1. The responsibility for traffic regulation and enforcement rests with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Services (TTPS). The new municipal corporation legislation will result in the establishment of a Municipal Police Service and the establishment of traffic wardens. The TTPS and the Municipal Corporation will re-examine the role of the Municipal Police Service and its new functions with a view to improving traffic management. 2. Road safety and the occurrence of vehicular accidents have become an increasing critical development issue in Trinidad and Tobago. The SGRC in conjunction with TTPS, MOWT and other relevant partners will develop and implement a Municipal Road Safety Plan in line with national road safety policies to promote and encourage road safety. The main aim of the plan will be to reduce the risks and occurrence of collisions and to minimise potential conflict among road users. TP POLICY-11: Developing a Passenger Port Facility at Toco. 1. There are proposals for the establishment of a port facility and a Toco to Tobago ferry service on the northeast coast to facilitate to facilitate movement of passenger travel between Trinidad and Tobago and the tourism industry. This proposal has already received cabinet agreement (Agreed to by Cabinet Minute No. 1172 of May 5, 2005). The RDP endorses the conduct of an environmental impact assessment along with stakeholders‟ consultations during the feasibility analysis and design of this facility. The establishment of a port at Toco will require improvements in the road from Matura to Toco in order to make the port accessible to any significant amount of traffic. TP POLICY-12: Improvements Accessibility and Inclusiveness with Transportation Ensuring access to all population groups is vital in achieving the Municipal‟s principle of social inclusiveness and for the success implementation of the various measures under the RDP. The RDP therefore will support and facilitate the development of suitable access for PWDs, the elderly and children, including improvements to buildings, pavements, streets and public spaces. Consideration must be given to PWDs when designing all facilities for pedestrians and the passengers. 84 The RDP in approving development plans will consider design elements which support accessibility and inclusiveness, including the design of the new Corporation building and other public buildings in the Municipality. The Municipal Corporation will work closely with PWD interest groups and other partners to respond to issues and complaints about poor accessibility. Accessibility audits will be carried in the pedestrian network of the town centres with a view to developing solutions to make them more accessible. TP POLICY-13: Promoting Seamless Connectivity to Other Physical Infrastructure 1. The Plan promotes seamless connectivity among economic, physical and social infrastructure and other installations/facilities to reduce cost, and ensure sustainable socio-economic development. These includes ports, oil and gas pipelines, schools, health care, recreational, etcetera – and public utilities – electrical substations, water supply, wastewater and solid waste collection and processing, hazardous waste management, etcetera. 85 Housing (HU) Introduction The provision of quality housing affordable housing which meets the needs of all households within the Municipality is a key component of building sustainable communities. The number of households in Sangre Grande is forecast to increase by 2,299 over the next 10 years, with most of this growth anticipated in the Municipal Centre of Sangre Grande, Greater Sangre Grande, Valencia and Greater Tamana. It will be important for each household within the Municipality to have available to it quality housing that is affordable, of good quality, suitable to its needs, offers little or no health and safety risks to occupants, and has minimum impact on the natural environment. Equally critical is the provision of other complementary facilities and services to make their communities liveable. As a result, new public and privately built housing should be more sustainable through improved design and function. Therefore, there is need for housing standards that respond to this approach and for Government and construction industry to work together in designing, building and promoting the features and benefits of sustainable housing. Moreover, it will also be critical to address the number of abandoned dwellings and homes that have fallen into a state of disrepair throughout the Municipality that are in need of regeneration. The Municipality also has a significant number of vacation homes and small guest house/room operators, mainly along the coastline that at present serve mainly the domestic tourism market. Given the intended thrust of the Municipality towards the enhancement of tourism in the Municipality, these facilities must be built and operated at an acceptable standard that ensures a quality visit. Policy Objective The objective of the Housing Policies and Proposals is to support and facilitate the creation of well designed quality sustainable housing, delivering a mix of house sizes, types, tenures to satisfy different housing needs within the Municipality. In addition, to provide supporting amenities and services to established housing areas. 86 Policies and Proposals HU POLICY-1: Meeting Housing Demand 1. Given an additional 2,299 households predicted by 2020 (Table 8), housing demand will be met by the a. Development of some amount of housing on greenfield sites in compact discrete, housing development areas with necessary supporting facilities and services to make them sustainable on suitable land where expansion is anticipated that is essentially near the urban centres – town of Sangre Grande, Greater Sangre Grande, Valencia, and Cumuto. b. Consolidation of loose development on the fringes of the town centres and along main roads, and infilling in existing communities on vacant plots. Table 8: Population, Household and Dwelling Units, 2000 and 2020 Population 2000 Household 2000 Sangre Grande Proper Greater Sangre Grande M2M Valencia Greater Tamana North Manzanilla/ Fishing Pond Manzanilla 18,157 4,669 Dwelling Units 2000 4,669 11,465 7,276 8,769 10,360 2,821 2,072 2,287 2,601 5,876 3,734 Total 65,637 Sub-regions Population 2020 Households 2020 22,470 5,405 Dwelling Units 2020 5,405 2,821 2,733 2,382 2,815 13,485 8,508 12,094 12,352 3,237 2,187 2,635 2,936 3,237 2,794 2,741 3,141 1,526 984 1,679 1,113 6,664 4,427 1,730 1,129 1,901 1,263 16,960 48,772 80,000 19,259 21,008 Source: Population and Housing Census, 2000 2. Current land use planning policy as applied by the TCPD allows up two to three dwelling units on each of the 465 square metres plots that make up almost all of the older settlements. The policy will continue to apply in all of these areas. However, in cases where developments take place at the higher of these densities, standards need to be devised to ensure adequate space for light and ventilation, for the containment of storm-water on the site, and to prevent the spread of fire from one property to another, and the provision of other factors deemed as necessary for maintaining satisfactory living environments. 87 HU POLICY-2: Improving Existing Residential Stock by Upgrading and Maintaining Housing and Residential Amenities. 1. Rebuilding and upgrade of existing units and repair of dilapidated housing will be promoted and facilitated through incentive programmes. Special attention is to be paid to regeneration of such housing in areas like the M2M and Greater Tamana, where the number of poor housing is greatest. 2. Housing will be developed by the public sector through the HDC and the LSA, with the latter having responsibility for the regularisation and upgrading designated squatter settlements. The LSA must address the imperative for the relocation of squatters from protected areas, such as the Aripo Savannah Scientific Reserve and the Long Stretch Reserve in Valencia and in sensitive locations where there is increased risk to human health and safety, such as steep hillsides and flood prone land. 3. The RDP recommends that, in order to increase the stock of all-round good quality housing and develop truly sustainable communities in the Municipality, plans for settlement upgrading must include the provision of social facilities, such as health centres, children‟s health care facilities, educational facilities, and recreational facilities to be located in association with residential communities. These facilities with the relevant service providers (which include services offered by Community Development Division) must be developed along with housing and infrastructure development efforts to improve integration of community. In cases of infilling in older communities, attention will be paid to the retrofitting of infrastructure to match the increased densities. HU POLICY-3: Encouraging and Supporting Housing for the Elderly by Supporting the Concept of Independent Living for Older Residents. 1. Sangre Grande, with its layback and peaceful settings, is an ideal location for persons seeking tranquil lifestyle and so provides an opportunity for developing housing developments which caters exclusively to the elders. The RDP, therefore, endorses the concept of independent living for older residents and supports the development of such sheltered housing schemes in the Sangre Grande Municipality. However, standards must be developed for the design and construction of such facilities. 88 HU POLICY-4: Encouraging and Supporting the Development of Quality Vacation Housing as Part of the Regional Tourism Industry 1. Already, there is a fair amount of commercial vacation homes and apartments along the east coast of the Municipality of varying standard and condition. It is important to operate an industry within the Municipality that adheres to a minimum standard for the development and operation of visitor accommodations and facilities. The Plan, therefore, recommends that the TDC, Municipal Corporation, MLG, TCPD, NGO and community sector organisations and operators, and other partners work together in developing standards and certification process for tourist accommodations and facilities within the Municipality, including guesthouses, hotels, apartments, resorts, villas/cottages, lodges, bed and breakfasts, and campsites/grounds. The Municipal Corporation will take an active role in the implementation of these standards, mindful of the critical role of the industry to the Sangre Grande Municipality and maintaining a reputation for quality service. HU POLICY-5: Supporting and Facilitating Implementation of a National Green Building Code the Development and 1. The Draft National Climate Change Policy calls for the development of a Green Building Code that „seeks to maximise renewable energy use and energy efficiency.‟ The RDP, therefore, endorses the development of this Code. Apart from energy, consideration should be given to the following factors in the development of the Code – Water, Materials, Surface Water Runoff and Management, Waste Management, Pollution, Health and Wellbeing, Management and Ecology. 89 Social and Community Amenities and Services (SC) Introduction In respect of socio-economic development, the last Survey of Living Conditions indicated that Sangre Grande had the unenviable record of being the poorest Municipality, followed by the Region of Mayaro/Rio Claro. This status relates not only to economic realities of the Region, but also the lag experienced in the delivery of physical infrastructure and social amenities and services compared to some more prosperous Municipalities. Therefore, many of the communities of Sangre Grande are characterised by remoteness, poor infrastructure and a sense of marginalisation. There is need for reversing this process of decay, especially through the provision of social and community facilities and services, with due regard to ensuring a basic level of service to all cohorts of the population, irrespective of geographic location, social status, age or ability. Equity of access to the services required in a modern state and against the back drop of the knowledge economy of the 21 st century imposes certain demands in the provision of social amenities. Key to this strategy is the need for mechanisms to ensure that local communities are on board and involved in the continued identification, development and management of some of these facilities and services. The present approach to decentralisation and to devolution of responsibility and authority to the Regional Corporations will dictate massive investments in the very social amenities and services that these marginalised communities have lacked. Such improvements are necessary for creating sustainable communities and ensuring a high quality of life for its burgesses and which will thus reverse the tendency to outward migration from the Municipality. Policy Objective The key objective of the Social and Community Services and Facilities Policies and Proposals is to ensure access and timely delivery of quality social and community amenities and services that are responsive to the expressed needs of local communities. Such facilities and services must ensure social inclusion and be consistent with the promotion of the social advancement and human development of all residents. Policies and Proposals 1. The SGRC will use its resources and work with public sector, private sector and NGO partners in ensuring the delivery of sustainable community facilities and services. Where appropriate, the Corporation will collaborate and form 90 the necessary public-private sector partnerships required to develop needed social infrastructure and services. 2. In the spirit of social inclusion and facilitating sustainable human development, it is important to that all population groups have a chance to realise their potential, and to contribute to and participate in community life, regardless of their gender, age, ability, religion and the other characteristics which make Trinidad and Tobago a unique and diverse society. This ethos, therefore, will be at the centre of the delivery of social and community amenities and services throughout the Municipality. In designing new facilities, consideration will be given to ensure that they are adaptable to meet the changing needs of the population and to provide potential for multiusage. In addition, such social and community facilities will be grouped together wherever possible for economy and to foster community coherence. SC POLICY-1: Improving Primary and Secondary Health Care Services Delivery 1. Construction of Sangre Grande New Hospital The Ministry of Health, through the assistance of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, is responsible for the delivery of health care services to the Municipality of Sangre Grande. There are proposal for the modernisation of the Sangre Grande Hospital to a capacity of 100 beds with 72 beds to be provided in the first phase. There must be collaboration, however, with the Municipal Corporation and the people of the Region in the design and upgrading of this modern facility. Given the future expansion of residential accommodation in such locations like Cumuto, Valencia and in Sangre Grande itself, and the prospective developments in the Municipality it will important to re-evaluate the demand for secondary and tertiary health care services during the planning period to ensure that needs for the Region will be met. Already there is the recognition that the Sangre Grande Hospital should be complemented by a smaller facility that would serve the remote northeast, which might be located at Toco. This hospital facility in Toco should be able to treat with basic services, like births, and emergency services where victims can be stabilised before being transferred to the Sangre Grande Hospital or other institutions providing relevant services. The growth of tourism in the area would involve greater traffic and involves the presence of a much larger population on a daily basis within the Municipality and on the north coast specifically, than the registered resident population. A viable tourism sector requires as a complement, health and emergency services within easy reach. 2. Provision of Improved Primary Health Care Services The 41 communities of Sangre Grande are served by 11 health centres, which suggests, a priori that primary health care services are relatively well 91 distributed throughout the Municipality, with most communities being in relatively easy reach of such services. Even the more remote communities on the north coast are reasonably well served. However, attention must be paid to the delivery of primary health services to the residents of Cumaca, who at present have to travel to Valencia to secure services. At the very least, there should be facilities on a weekly basis, such that even the most remote communities would have access to basic primary health care services, with personnel being available on scheduled days to treat with the members of the public in the respective communities. Any increase in population in the Municipality can be accommodated by extending the hours of service to evenings at strategic primary health care facilities, in Valencia and Sangre Grande and one of the centres on the northeast coast. This will have implications for the staffing of these facilities. Where appropriate, there will be upgrade of the existing primary health facilities. The SGRC, with the assistance of the MLG and Ministry of Health, will assist communities in the establishment of Community Wellness Councils to ensure the delivery of high quality and appropriate health services (including public health services) at the level of their communities. The Councils will be appropriately resourced to ensure their proper functioning and operation. SC POLICY-2: Strengthening of Education and Training Delivery 1. Delivery of Early Childhood Education The Government is committed to the universal provision of early childhood education. The guarantee that those at the bottom of the income hierarchy will have access, requires substantial expansion since the country is some distance from universal enrolment. In respect of educational facilities, the first thrust in the next five years will be on the provision of facilities for early childhood education as the State takes a role in its universalisation. The MOE has taken steps to identify sites for the construction of 601 Early Childhood Care and Education Centres (ECCECs)8 throughout the Trinidad and Tobago by the end of fiscal year 2012. These facilities will be located in the various neighbourhoods so that children will be within a distance of not more than Early Childhood Care and Education Centre refers to all facilities providing learning support, care and development services to children from three to children under six years of age. Early Childhood Services (ECS) are here defined as all settings offering informal programmes to children under six, and include: Day Care Centres, Preschools, Kindergartens, Early Childhood Care and Education Centres, and Nurseries. Website definition: http://www.moe.gov.tt/ecc_curriculum.html 8 92 approximately 400 metres from their homes except in the isolated rural communities where the distance criterion will not be practicable. The RDP endorses the MOE‟s plans to construct additional centres in the Municipality. The east, and more particularly, the northeast and southwest of the Municipality are not as well served by early childhood centres as the rest of the Municipality. As access to early childhood education is universalised, there will be need for expansion of places in some of the more remote communities of the Municipality. The Municipal Corporation will work with the MOE, private sector providers and other partner institutions to ensure the requisite number of ECCECs are established in the Municipality and quality service is achieved and maintained. However, the Corporation recognises that there is need for integration of housing and community facilities such as ECCECs and would therefore promote the strategic location of these centres in close proximity to any new major housing developments and employment centres during the planning horizon. 2. Delivery of Primary School Education The MOE will provide for the upgrading or establishment of facilities required for educational advancement and skills development of residents, across the board. This requires the repair and upgrading of existing schools, as required. Where appropriate, the Corporation will collaborate with the MOE in the provision of schools in new residential development. 3. Delivery of Secondary School Education Enrolment increases at the secondary level will depend on the impact of the demographics, as well as on the extent to which students elect to attend school in the districts where they reside, and the degree to which the pecking order in secondary schools continues to reflect patterns of yesteryear. There will be need for the provision of at least one new secondary school in the Municipality to cater for a larger population by the end of the plan period. This potential requirement will be better assessed following the next decennial census and an assessment of changes in the population over the ensuing planning years. 4. Provision of Tertiary and Post-secondary Education Facilities Post-Secondary and Tertiary Education is undergoing reorganisation in Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, there is recognition that the country is involved in catch-up in terms of tertiary enrolment relative to the age cohorts involved, and compared to countries at a similar stage of development. Indeed, compared to such dynamic countries as South Korea and Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago is very far behind in respect of the percentage of the 2024 age group enrolled in tertiary education. The establishment of the main campus of the UTT just outside its western borders will bring tertiary facilities within closer reach. However, there will be need to develop distance 93 education services such that many in the far-flung communities can have access through the communications medium. The Corporation will encourage and work with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education (MSTTE) and tertiary education institutions in the Municipality in developing suitable programmes to increase enrolment in all age groups and gender. Consideration will be given to ensuring that there is increased male enrolment. The SGRC will collaborate with its partners in putting in place the institutional structure to ensure that large numbers of people embark on Adult Education programmes to upgrade themselves and to complete their education, including the introduction of online and distance education programmes. SC POLICY-4: Provisioning of Sports and Recreational Facilities 1. The RDP promotes healthy lifestyle choices, wellness and social opportunities in the communities of Sangre Grande. Therefore, all age groups within the Municipality have to be catered for by the establishment of the appropriate facilities and services for sport and recreation, both for those who are highly active and for those whose demands are more passive. Such provisioning will also cater for children, the elderly and people with disabilities. 2. Provision of Sports Stadium and Indoor Sporting Facilities There is need for a sports stadium that befits the Sangre Grande Municipality to be located in the town of Sangre Grande, with facilities for the major sports of football, cricket, and athletics. The SGRC will work with MSYA in making this a reality. The Municipality has contributed sports people that have represented Trinidad and Tobago with distinction in spite of the absence of facilities for training and nurturing high quality talent. The RDP endorses the proposals by the MSYA to develop a municipal indoor sport/multipurpose facility at Sangre Grande which caters mainly to the needs of the eastern communities in several sporting disciplines, such as basketball, netball, volleyball, weight training, badminton, table tennis and martial arts. The SGRC recognises the need for gyms and fitness centres, and will work along with private sector and NGO and community sector entities in the establishment and provisioning of these facilities. 3. Upgrading and Maintenance of Recreation Grounds The Municipal Stadium should represent the pinnacle of a complement of recreation facilities across the Municipality, distributed in the various communities such that most residents have relatively easy access to a recreation ground, for active competitive sport for those so disposed and for the enjoyment of those who need more measured activity. The Municipal 94 Corporation, therefore, will ensure that there is a basic provision of facilities in all communities. Recreation grounds will be distributed across the districts to ensure that all communities are within easy reach of some basic complement of facilities – athletic track, tracks for walking and cycling, facilities for popular sports like soccer, cricket, basketball, netball, lawn tennis, etcetera. Multi-use trails will be strategic localities for use mainly by residents and visitors as part of the Municipality‟s eco-tourism and wellness thrust. Lots for playgrounds must be provided in all new housing layouts, and the Corporation will work to ensure that these facilities are developed to allow opportunities for active recreation in safe settings for small children. Given the number of recreational grounds/facilities in the Region in need of maintenance, an audit will be required and a priority listing developed for their upgrading and retrofitting as a central element to the recreation infrastructure for the Municipality. SC POLICY-5: Meeting the Demand for Services and Facilities by Age Cohorts 1. The demographic distribution is a good base for determining the range of services required. The demands of the various age cohorts have certain predictability. Babies and children make demands on the health system first and then on educational facilities, and these have been addressed in earlier sections. Likewise, secondary schools provide for the education of those above 11 years of age. Part-time post-school education can be mainly supported by the infrastructure of secondary schools. 2. Facilities for other services will anticipate requirements of youth, mature adults and the elderly in their communities. Youth services, community development services, and services for counselling and the catering to those with social problems constitute the situation. It will be important to ensure that in each major centre there is access to a minimum complement of community and social services, with facilities well distributed for their delivery. In this regard, Central Government and Local Government will ensure the following in all district centres at the very least: a. Youth facility – in each of the major urban centre; b. Construction of a Multi-Purpose Social Services Centre in Sangre Grande; c. Community centres – in locations where none exists, with immediate need in Grand Riviere; d. Homes and day activity centres for the elderly 95 3. The SGRC will also support the establishment of retirement communities and provisioning of elderly care services, including assisted living services, nursing care, independent living, adult day care, etcetera. The Corporation will develop a list of facilities to be shared with its burgesses and the general public, and, where necessary will collaborate with the Ministry of Social Development in monitoring the activities and facilities of such operations. SC POLICY-6: Effectively Delivering Youth Oriented Programmes 1. Critical in the provision of youth services is the need to create a sense of place among the youth of the area. Given the history of marginalisation and peripheral development, there is likely to be strong sense among youth that economic and social advancement requires geographic mobility. Youth development services would involve recreation services and the supporting infrastructure of playing fields for football, cricket and athletics, tennis, basketball and netball courts, as well as facilities for training and adult education and general educational upgrading. The SGRC will work closely with relevant stakeholders in the delivery of these programmes, ensuring that the needs of remote communities are addressed. There is also need for preventative services in terms of provision of family planning services and anti-drug programmes, and services of a supportive or remedial nature, for example, by way of services to teenage parents or unwed mothers, and drug rehabilitation programmes. Some of the required services will need to be discharged through a social infrastructure of Community Development and Youth Development Services, and in a physical infrastructure of community centres which can also function as information centres or multi-purpose community facilities serving the population at large. SC POLICY-7: Provisioning for Library and Information Services 1. The Public Library in Sangre Grande is the only branch in the Municipality providing Library Services. The possibility for the provision of Library Services in Toco, Valencia and Cumuto and bookmobile service in the other subregions has to be explored. The provision of online information and internet services will increasingly become an important part of the Library and Information Services in these localities and so ways must be found to encourage this. 96 SC POLICY-8: Strengthening Security and the Delivery of Justice 1. Creating a More Effective Policing System There has been some recent upgrades and development of the Toco and Matelot Police Stations. Equipping these stations with adequate staffing and resources is pre-requisite to promote a sense of safety and security among residents and visitors. The Corporation will encourage investment in an upgraded infrastructure and networks built on an electronic platform allowing for closed circuit and wide vision systems in the centres across the Municipality. This will ensure that most public areas of the Municipality will be visible in real time – that is at all times of day or night. The security of the individual is paramount, and must be guaranteed by effective policing. The new Municipal Corporation Bill will lead to the establishment of a Municipal Police Service in each Municipality which comes under the authority of the Commissioner of Police (COP). Space will be provided for the Municipal Police and where possible, officers will be based in the same compound as the regular Police Service operating in the area. A large part of the duties of the Municipal Police Service will focus on community policing. Special security plans will be developed and implemented for critical areas, namely the Sangre Grande Municipal, Valencia and M2M in collaboration with local business operators and NGO sector and other security related public sector agencies. Development of a municipal policing information system which will complement a national system designed to ensure monitoring across the country, with possible links to border and sea coast monitoring. 2. Promoting an Environment of Security The RDP supports the development of secure environments through the promotion of natural surveillance within the public realm, public walkways and open spaces by encouraging supervised people-centred activities in these areas, supplemented by increased use of targeted lighting and CCTV cameras in critical areas. An environment of natural surveillance will also be encouraged in newly-planned areas through high quality and sensitive urban design. The establishment of Joint Policing Committees will enable closer co-operation between communities, policing services and the Corporation to identify safety and security issues in communities and develop appropriate interventions. 3. Expanding Fire-fighting Capacity throughout the Municipality 97 The RDP notes that a new Sangre Grande Fire Station has been constructed and supports proposals for the construction and equipping of a fire station in Toco, particularly in light of increasing visitations to the M2M sub-region and the great distances that must be travelled from Sangre Grande to this area. In addition, the size of the Municipality makes it important to establish a voluntary emergency response team in selected communities that will have as one of their remits basic fire fighting skills. 4. Improving the Judiciary System The RDP supports the redesign and construction of the court in Sangre Grande identified as one of the projects in the Vision 2020 Operational Plan. Its redevelopment is required in the short term. SC POLICY-9: Facilitating the Civic Occasions and Cultural Expression 1. There is general agreement within the Municipality that there is insufficient wholesome entertainment and entertainment facilities in the Municipality, to the disadvantage of all age groups, but the young in particular. The RDP supports private sector ventures which lead to the development of appropriate entertainment facilities easily accessible by residents and visitors in keeping with the Vision of the Municipality. 2. There should be some emphasis on the development of centres of cultural expression. These will take the form of: a. A Heritage Centre in M2M; and b. A Creative Centre in the town of Sangre Grande. SC POLICY-10: 1. Developing a Regional Crematorium There is a substantial population who are adherents of the Hindu religion for whom last rites require cremation. Increasingly, people of other denominations are adopting this approach given the growing challenge of finding burial spots on the passing their loved ones. The SGRC will work with private sector entities in developing a cremation site/crematorium in the Municipality, with all attendant amenities. 98 Infrastructure and Public Utilities (IP) Introduction Vision 2020 calls for the development and application of sound infrastructure for the benefit of all residents of Trinidad and Tobago. The provision and development of sound infrastructure by 2020 requires for the most part, planning for, and the evaluation of the adequacy of existing infrastructure to meet present and future demand in the Municipality, and the design and development of new physical infrastructure and the upgrade of existing facilities, as deemed necessary. In respect of infrastructure development, in the past SG has been underserved by infrastructure compared to other parts of the country, particularly northwest Trinidad. In order for the Municipality to meet the mandate for socioeconomic development in Vision 2020, there must be considerable investment in infrastructure to boost economic and social development and to combat poverty. At present, the Municipality experiences problems in a number of communities in respect of the delivery of potable water, thus forcing households in these areas to rely heavily on truck-borne and rainwater sources. Wastewater disposal systems remain at the household level. Given its propensity for high rainfall and runoff, and the problem of poor storm-water management, flooding is commonplace in many communities located in the floodplains of some of the region‟s major water courses. The Region‟s drainage problems stem from not only the absence of appropriate drainage infrastructure in critical localities but also from poor maintenance and cleaning of existing systems. The drainage challenge faced by the Municipality often translates into public health concerns given the high indices for mosquitoes and dengue fever. Moreover land slippage is a major challenge in hilly terrains of the Northern and Central Ranges, while coastal erosion has become a serious threat on northeast coast. The collection, handling and disposal of wastes are another issue as private waste haulers and householders are known to dump waste illegally, thereby creating unsightly and unhealthy informal dumpsites throughout the Municipality. A number of initiatives are being proposed currently which should lead to reform and improvements within the waste management sector. Equally important at this juncture is the need for strong cooperation at the household and community level towards waste reduction, reuse and recycle. There is need therefore to deliver improved infrastructure and utility services that would cater for residential, industrial and commercial requirements and facilitate the continued growth of the Region. Priority must be given to certain specific areas where problems are acute and in need of immediate attention. 99 Policy Objective The objective of the Infrastructure and Public Utilities Policies and Proposals is to facilitate the provisioning and equitable distribution of physical infrastructure and public utilities to serve the municipal population in support of sustainable socioeconomic development. Policies and Proposals IP POLICY-1: Meeting the Demand and Supply for Potable Water 1. The objective here is to secure adequate and safe supply of potable water for householders and other users of the Municipality through the development and improvement of water supply systems. Potable water provisioning is mainly the responsibility of WASA. The Municipal Corporation‟s responsibility in respect of potable water provisioning is the delivery of truck-borne water supply to non-WASA customers. However, as part of its responsibility of securing burgesses (individuals, corporate and institutional), the SGRC will play a pro-active role and collaborate with the Authority in meeting present demand and anticipating future needs. The municipal water demand for SG by 2020 will vary based on the successful implementation of its development agenda which includes a number of initiatives earmarked by WASA to increase safe water production and reduce water demand. These include the following: Universal metering consumption; so that water billing will now reflect In the short- to medium-term, the upgrading of the Sangre Grande booster station and water distribution system in Sangre Grande, Plum Mitan, and Sangre Chiquito; and the development of three water treatment plants in Salybia, Cumuto, and Matura (at a capacity to produce 12 million gallons) as part of the Water Sector Modernisation Programme (WSMP); Continued infrastructure development and retrofitting - laying of new pipelines in an effort to reduce unaccounted-for-water (UFW); Increased public education. 100 Table 9: Water Demand for Sangre Grande, 2020 Sector Domestic Light commercial Light industrial Institutional High users No. of Users in 2020 Unmodified Rate (litres /day) 75,429 1,886 377 40 466 3,840 2,880 17,900 Volume (million litres/ day) 35.15 7.24 1.09 0.72 44.2 Modified Rate (litres /day) 375 3,072 2,104 14,320 Volume (million litres/day) 28.29 5.79 0.79 0.57 35.44 Source: WASA 2. The RDP supports the management demand with a view to reducing per capita consumption of water and therefore the Municipal Corporation will work with the Authority and will make Water Use, Management and Conservation, one of the key areas in their Eco-Sangre Grande Programme. 3. The Corporation will promote the adoption of improved rainwater harvesting as a water source in areas with water supply challenges persist, and advocate that the technology be incorporated into the National Green Building Code. Now considered green technology, rainwater harvesting is becoming increasingly important in many developed countries as a potable water source but also important for stormwater management. 4. The Plan also supports self-help water infrastructural development programmes in an effort to improve potable water supply to communities. The Municipal Corporation will facilitate and work with the WASA and communities in developing water sources. IP POLICY-2: Improving Wastewater Management 1. Given the need to improve wastewater management and treatment in the Municipality, the RDP recognises plans for developing, retrofitting and upgrading wastewater facilities and services throughout as outlined in the Draft Water and Wastewater Master Plan (WWMP). The WWMP calls for the development of centralised/regionalised treatment systems across Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad will be divided into 25 catchment areas for which detailed wastewater systems will be designed in accordance with good health and water quality engineering practices. This centralised system will integrate existing systems, new developments and currently un-sewered areas. The Municipality is located essentially in four catchment areas9 – Water and Sewerage Authority, 2008. Water and Wastewater Master Plan and Policy for Trinidad and Tobago: Draft Wastewater Alternatives Report. 9 101 a. Area 2: Toco Area including Matelot/Grand Riviere/Monte Video/Sans Souci/L'anse Noir/Mission/Toco b. Area 5: East-West Wallerfield/Valencia Corridor including Bamboo/Trincity/Malabar/ c. Area 6: Sangre Grande/North Oropouche d. Area 7: Balandra/Salybia/Matura No design solutions were provided for the eastern section of the Municipality – North Manzanilla and Manzanilla. There are plans in the short-term to medium term for the development of the Sangre Grande Wastewater Treatment Plant, with a capacity to treat 5 million gallons per day. This will lead to the sewering of the town of Sangre Grande. 2. The need for short term and medium term solutions to the wastewater problems in the Municipality makes it imperative that the SGRC work with WASA and/or partner agencies in improving the current problems associated with wastewater management in the Municipality. The corrective actions required: All existing sewerage system and waste water treatment plants to be appraised and refurbished and brought into effective use; All existing and new housing developments and large institutions such as schools and hospitals need to be sewered and the wastewater treated in wastewater treatment plants; All pit latrines to be replaced by septic tanks and seepage pits; All industries are responsible for the proper treatment and disposal of effluent and toxic waste. Any discharges into region‟s receiving waters must meet Water Pollution Rules and other relevant standards; Safely treated wastewater to be recycled for use in agriculture, aquifer recharge, industry and construction; Public awareness and social marketing programme relating to the effects of littering, solid-waste disposal etc and their effect on the environment; WASA needs to adopt all existing WWTP‟s and maintain effectively; and Establishing an effective monitoring system to minimise the impact of septic tank and soakaway systems and other municipal pollution sources not included in the Water Pollution Rules. 102 IP POLICY-3: Improving Stormwater Management and Drainage Control 1. Flooding is a major problem and a main cause of distress for burgesses in vulnerable areas. Over the years, the MOWT/Drainage Division and the Corporation have done maintenance works on the main river systems. However, because of the number of local flooding events, it is now necessary to take a holistic look at entire river basin systems, and design solutions which will effectively control stormwater flows and flooding. As part of its Comprehensive National Drainage Study, Drainage Division has undertaken a Flood Mitigation and Integrated Watershed Study for the North Oropouche River, which will develop short term to long term flood mitigation interventions and best management practices for those watersheds, including the construction of retention ponds. The RDP supports the conduct of similar study for Tamana River system in the area. 2. In the short- and medium-term, the Municipal Corporation will endeavour to undertake the following measures necessary to mitigate the many negative effects of flooding. Development and implementation of drainage plans for town of Sangre Grande, Valencia, Cumuto and Toco. Monitor human settlements and watersheds deforestation and new settlement locations; in respect of Support infrastructure designs which allow for free flow of water along waterways, for example, appropriate drain sizing, bridge decks high enough so that bamboo and cuttings can flow through, etcetera; Educate the populace with regard to solid waste disposal and management; Restrict human activity on flood plains where there is a high frequency of flooding; Promote and support green designs that reduce stormwater runoff. Rainwater harvesting should be considered as an option for controlling rapid stormwater flows; Support insurance and government subsidies for people and businesses affected by flooding; Levees can be used to make available land safe for human settlements; Use engineering and biological measures to protect riverbanks, bends and bridges abutments from erosion and failure. 3. The SGRC will work with TCPD, Drainage Division, Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) and neighbouring municipal corporations and other 103 partners to develop and upgrade both inter-lot and main drains and to develop and synchronise their annual drainage maintenance programme. IP POLICY-4: Effectively Controlling Coastal Erosion 1. Coastal erosion is a major challenge and is occurring extensively along the north and east coasts. Drainage Division, responsible for national coastal defence works, has undertaken a North Coast Coastal Protection Works Study as a component of the Comprehensive National Drainage Study. Emphasis must now be placed on implementation of the recommended solutions of this Study which will provide coastal protection and defence works between Blanchisseuse and Toco 2. The aggressiveness of the coastal erosion in this Region suggests the need for a continuous monitoring and protection of the coastline. A Northeast Trinidad Coastal Monitoring Programme should be implemented and can involve community groups in the M2M, Fishing Pond, North Manzanilla and Manzanilla, already involved in turtle monitoring schemes and ecotourism ventures in these areas. This programme will also require ongoing collaboration among agencies such as, the Municipal Corporation, IMA, Drainage Division, and stakeholders who reside and work in the coastal zone, including oil and gas companies. IP POLICY-5: Improving Electricity Supply to Sangre Grande 1. Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is currently expanding and building new substations and other infrastructure to handle any anticipated increase in demand. There are plans are in place to increase the generating capacity in Trinidad from 1600MW to 3000MW. In respect of distribution and transmission, substations are being expanded at Wallerfield and Tamana and new meters with automatic reading are installed throughout the country for all customers. In addition, new pylons and high voltage lines are being put up across the country. 2. The SGRC will work with T&TEC to target areas that require infrastructural improvement, including the reduction in the number of unsightly overhead wires; safer and more reliable fittings and fixtures; and maintenance of poles, transformers, high voltage pylons, and switch gear equipment. 3. The SGRC will work with T&TEC in the municipal street lightning programme. 4. Medium and long term planning to ensure that the regions power needs will be met in the future. 104 IP POLICY-6: Improving Telecommunications Services in Sangre Grande 1. Most communities in Sangre Grande along the EMR are relatively well served in all aspects of telecommunication, that is, telephone, cable television, internet and radio services, etcetera. However, emphasis must be placed on upgrading of some services to rural communities, particularly with the introduction of high speed internet service in M2M, Greater Tamana and North Manzanilla. It is expected that the industry should be able to meet the demand generated by the projected growth and will be upgraded to standards consistent with Vision 2020 objectives. 105 Institutional Strengthening (IS) Introduction There are a number of areas where the purposes of land use planning are better served not so much by actual physical plans but rather by the institutional arrangements that are put in place to ensure cross-cutting issues are constantly being addressed. The Municipality extends over some of the most sensitive eco-systems in this small island state. There has been considerable scientific study of the Northern Range and the impact of illegal or improper quarrying, deforestation, slash and burn agriculture on the hillsides, and squatting, for example, on the increase in flooding, and on the supply of water to aquifers etcetera. Given the widely available information on the negative implications of these social practices, the frequent episodes of flooding, landslides and other environmental disasters are partly people-made and constitute institutional failure. There is need to address certain institutional requirements as a part of spatial planning and development. Firstly, environmental monitoring and evaluation has to be shored up by legislation and strong enforcement. This means that as an aspect of public policy, an agency like the EMA must be vested not only with the authority, but also with the resources to intervene in the public interest where there is a threat to the wider public from actions or lack thereof in respect of the use of space by anyone. The Municipality might be deemed to be a conjoined or interested party in that regard. More particularly, there must be close collaboration between the Municipality and the EMA and other agencies with statutory responsibility for natural resource management. Community participation remains a major imperative in ensuring sustainable natural resource and environmental management. Policy Objective The objective of the Institutional Development Priority is to strengthen the institutional framework under which the Sangre Grande RDP will be implemented. 106 Policies and Proposals IS POLICY-1: Strengthen the Legislative Framework for Physical Planning and Cultural/Historical Heritage Management 1. The updating of TCP legislation to more properly deal with environmental matters, and the revision of environmental management legislation to effectively link development planning and environmental management through the CEC process are among legislative changes that are critical to the realisation of environmental protection goals. Although quarrying is not a widespread commercial activity within the Municipality there have been instances of illegal quarrying activities. The delisting, from the CEC (Designated Activities) Order, of quarries of less than 60 hectares of land should be urgently re-visited in view of the major conflicts and impact which such activity have on the natural resource base. The cumulative negative impacts of having a number of quarries in one location also make it imperative that this Order be revised. In addition, forestry and water resources management legislation would also need to be urgently addressed. 2. There is currently limited legislation to deal with the issue of protection and preservation of historical and cultural heritage. Given the importance of these resources and the fact that many would be in the hands of private entities, it may be best to have a legal system to address this issue. IS POLICY-2: Institutionalise community-based involvement in the regional development projects 1. Experience has demonstrated that effective environmental management involves community participation. A population that is aware of environmental threats and is committed to the protection of its space will act as responsible stewards, whether or not there are sanctions for infractions. Communities currently involved in the reforestation efforts in the Nariva Swamp, such as Kernahan and Plum Mitan are good examples where there is a general awareness and commitment of residents to community based environmental activities. In addition, the Matura to Matelot (M2M) communities in the neighbouring Sangre Grande Municipality provide examples for communitybased co-environmental management systems revolving around tourism and eco-tourism activities. The inculcating of the appropriate values among the population will be a major factor in environmental management and monitoring of spatial development. Community development agencies will be critical in the working with the Municipal Corporation towards increased involvement in environmental management efforts. The SGRC will collaborate and work closely with frontline Government agencies (Forestry Division and Division of Community Development) in the management of natural resources within the boundaries of the Municipality. 107 IS POLICY-3: Enforcing existing laws to the betterment of the development of the Municipality 1. There is also the matter of the application of sanctions. Squatter settlements in vulnerable areas, informal hillside farmers using unsustainable practices may have to be removed in the public interest. Moral suasion may not be adequate, and there may be need for sensitively applied pressure to ensure the protection of vulnerable areas and in arresting such poor practices like illegal dumping and burning of garbage. IS POLICY-4: Improving collaboration and cooperation with Central Government, Local Government and Statutory Authorities, the Private Sector, and the Community and NGO Sector in the Development of the Sangre Grande Municipality. 1. The RDP recognises that the issue of inter-agency coordination that must be institutionalised in the management of information and in the implementation of action with respect to all aspects of the Plan, in particular coordinating the Development of Infrastructural Facilities (such as drainage, coastal defence works), Facilitating Industrial and Economic Development; coordinating the Provision of Social and Community Development Services; and coordinating Spatial Planning. Key areas where coordination and collaboration will be required include the following: a. Tourism development; b. Industrial and economic development; c. Heritage preservation and management; d. Transportation; e. Potable water supply and delivery; f. Stormwater management and drainage; g. Public Health; h. Environmental rehabilitation and management; i. Provision of Social and Community Development Services; j. Physical Planning; k. Solid Waste Management; and l. Disaster Management. 108 IS POLICY-5: Institutionalising and Strengthening Stakeholder and Public Participation in the Regional Development Planning Process 1. This RDP planning process carries with it, a number of lessons which will be applied to improve the participatory response to the development of the Sangre Grande. Given the size of the Municipality, its complexity and dynamics, it will be important for the Municipal Corporation to improve communication with its burgesses. A mechanism will be developed to ensure continued communication and interaction and for developing sense of pride for living in Sangre Grande. 109 Municipal Management (MM) Introduction The planned Local Government Reform programme requires the SGRC to exercise greater powers in the management of the Municipality than it currently does, and to do so effectively. At the administrative level this would require an improved complement of qualified staff including Land Use Planning professional and technical staff who would guide the Corporation in the implementation of the RDP mainly through development control, monitoring, and enforcement; in the updating of the plan as necessary; and in the preparation of Local Area and Special Area Plans. The control over development would need to be exercised in collaboration with the TCPD which should also improve its staff complement. There is also need for the Municipal Corporation to be “more efficient and have in place user friendly systems to deal with its burgesses.” Policy Objective The objective of the Municipal Management Policies and Proposals is to improve management of Municipality by the SGRC. Policies and Proposals MM POLICY-1: Strengthening the Municipal Management System 1. Consideration will be given to the following proposals in order to strengthen municipal management of Sangre Grande: The conduct of an annual participatory exercise to review and revise the RDP and to gain consensus on regional projects going for annual financing. The review will include the key stakeholder interest groups and institutions operating in the Municipality and must be conducted prior to the end of the budgetary cycle. The restructuring of the Corporation to include representation stakeholder groups on the top decision-making committees; of The creation of a Regional Planning Committee, comprised of representatives of all stakeholders, which would operate at both regional and community levels to, inter alia, identify needs, formulate plans, 110 prepare budgets, and locate resources for the development of the communities; The grant to the Corporation of greater autonomy in the discharge of their functions through establishment of a strong Regional Planning Body, incorporating all stakeholder groups, and functioning as an integral part of the Corporation, and having the authority to challenge decisions handed down by Central Government without adequate consultation with the Corporation; and Establishment of a Municipal Court to deal with infractions of the law such as littering, illegal dumping of garbage, and non-maintenance of abandoned property. Operation of an efficient complaints desk where complaints are recorded, logged and follow-up action taken within a prescribed period of time. Client feedback and follow-up should also be an integral component of this system. MM POLICY-2: Continue decentralising the SGRC 1. Decentralisation of the SGRC activities will bring the Corporation closer to the people. In this regard, the Municipality will be divided into sub-regions within which an office in northeast would operate to treat with public health related issues, in particular, and from which staff can become familiar with situations before they reach crisis proportion. MM POLICY-3: Strengthening Coordination and Collaboration 1. The new local government dispensation would require the SGRC to strengthen coordination and collaboration, and to have proper working relationships, with Central Government, Statutory and Special Service Companies – service providers including WASA, the MOWT, and RDC in the provision and maintenance of public utilities, infrastructure, and other relevant services. There would be the need, as well for collaboration with agencies such as CEPEP in order to more effectively serve the Municipality. It is critical that the Corporation work closely with the TCPD to manage and monitor the development process. In this regard, the Coordinating Committees that previously operated would need to be re-established and include agencies involved in land development, including the TCPD and the WASA. The Committee should meet on a frequent basis to consider major development proposals and ensure that infrastructure and services can be provided to match the proposed levels of development, and in order that their own planning can be informed by an appreciation of current deficiencies and an understanding of future demand. The Committee should keep the Plan 111 continuously under review. Increased co-ordination will take place with the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Sangre Grande and Princes Town Regional Corporations relating to cross-boundary issues, and in light of imminent boundary changes. MM POLICY-4: Improving Service Delivery 1. Critical to the success of these proposals and of efforts to improve the level of service delivery to the burgesses is increased funding and well-managed systems. In this regard, the Municipal Corporation should be allowed to retain all rates, taxes, fees, and fines collected from its burgesses – residential and corporate – and other persons, including the usual rates and taxes, new user fees to be levied for services, such as entry to the selected attractions, and fines collected by a Municipal Court. 112 District Policies and Proposals Introduction The generation of strategic district policies and proposals is undertaken in the context of the Development Goal and Strategic Vision for the Municipality and the determination of objectives that came out of that process. Essentially, the objectives are aimed at securing: 12. Reduced poverty levels; 13. Viable and meaningful jobs created within the Municipality; 14. Infrastructure in place to ensure sustainable economic growth; 15. Public-private partnerships in achieving comprehensive transformation; 16. Sustainable and socially integrated communities with affordable quality housing and easy access to modern physical and social infrastructure facilities; 17. Optimisation of the tourism/ecotourism, agriculture, quarry, fisheries, recreation, manufacturing, trade and service sectors to the benefit of the Region‟s people; 18. Sustainable management and conservation of natural resources, agricultural lands and heritage resources; 19. More integrated and coordinated Municipality and communities; 20. Safe, distinctive, well-connected, efficient and aesthetically pleasing urban and rural areas and rejuvenated areas; 21. Reduction in climate change and natural disaster risks to lives, property and the environment; and 113 22. Efficiently managed Region. The overall Development Strategy for the Municipality is provided in the Strategic Framework Chapter. Common Polices The continued promotion and support of community-led tourism projects is expected to be expanded and the model documented for use within the Region and by others to develop their own community led projects. Some community facilities including social, public, and protective services that will be provided throughout the Municipality are ECCECs, homes and day care accommodation for the elderly. Sports and recreation grounds will be either developed or improved in all settlements to improve health, and to help strengthen community activity and cohesion. Police Stations or police posts will be placed in communities based on standards to be determined by the Ministry of National Security (MNS). Full use will be made of existing facilities, particularly schools and community centres where they exist, to multi-function for various purposes, for example, as the base for some public services including libraries, and internet and information centres. Some facilities will be grouped to service multiple communities and sub-regions for economic reasons and to create a physical focal point at which the community would be able to meet and develop relationships. Attention will be given to the entire range of public utilities, infrastructure, and transportation proposals. Improvements will be made to effect the following: Water supply infrastructure to provide safe pipe-borne water to all homes; Sewerage infrastructure appropriate to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents, and to prevent pollution of the terrestrial and aquatic environments; Drainage infrastructure including retention ponds as proposed in the Drainage Division, for example, for stormwater management and flood prevention; A reliable supply of electricity, with attention given to remote areas where supply is unreliable or inaccessible; Telecommunications infrastructure adequate to meet the needs of wireless residential and business activities; Collection and disposal arrangements and facilities for domestic, commercial, industrial, and agricultural solid waste; 114 Improvement and upgrading of the general condition of roads throughout the Municipality; and An efficient system of public transportation. District Polices and Proposals The following are the District Policies and Proposals for the seven sub-regions within the Sangre Grande Municipality, namely: Town of Sangre Grande; Greater Sangre Grande; M2M; Valencia; Greater Tamana; Manzanilla; and Fishing Pond/North Manzanilla. Town of Sangre Grande (TG) The town of Sangre Grande will retain its position as the major centre in the Municipality and will witness improvements to its functioning, provision of services and aesthetic appeal. The town will retain its heritage character and personality and will remain the major provider of public and commercial services to eastern Trinidad and elsewhere. The town will be a major provider of employment opportunities in the State and private sectors and will be the focal point for the provision of higher level services for its wider catchment, eastern Trinidad and elsewhere. The town will become important as a regional location for major sporting and cultural activities and will witness the establishment of agro-industrial activities in keeping with the character of its catchment area. With the cooperation of the private sector, the town will offer cheaper, safe and cleaner commercial space to attract business opportunities in keeping with the development of the UTT campus and its own tourism/ecotourism thrust. 115 116 TG POLICY -1: Distribution of Built Development A major determinant of the nature of town expansion in the town of Sangre Grande is the intended expansion of the CRH from Wallerfield to Manzanilla which passes the town to the north, the development of the Sangre Grande Ring Road to south and the eventual development of the final leg of the TRRTS from Arima to Sangre Grande. It is anticipated that there will be a northerly and southerly expansion of the town centre, and along the secondary linkages of these systems. However, a significant expansion of the town will occur outside the time horizon of this Plan, particularly in respect of the influence of the rail system. Two major developments are being proposed for the Sangre Grande town centre, namely Vision City and Pueblo Nuevo. Both projects require huge private sector investment and strong public sector-private sector commitment and cooperation in order to become a reality, and the conduct of either one or both of these projects will have tremendous impact on town life and the way it operates and does business. The Pueblo Nuevo Town Centre development will be located on 6.5 hectares of land in central Sangre Grande, bordered by Andre Street in the west, the Eastern Main Road to the north and east, and the Cunapo River to the south. The second development is the proposed Vision City will be developed on 13.4-hectare of land and to be located on the eastern fringe of Sangre Grande, bordered by the Guaico River to the north, Quash (Crown) Trace Extension to the east and the Toco Main Road to the south. These projects will include the development of multi-storied office building, a major new supermarket, a cineplex, an administration complex, a 10,000-person auditorium and a two-storied parkade with a capacity for 300 vehicles. TG POLICY -2: Local Area Planning A local area plan will be prepared for the town in the short term that will guide its development over a 10-year horizon. This plan will refine the policy with respect to the intended spatial expansion of the town and will adjust it accordingly based on all the activities that are expected to take place. The Plan will be monitored and revised periodically and will include, among other things, the treatment of the economy, population distribution and density, land use allocations by type, the provision of housing, the location of market places, the provision of lands for productive and employment activities and of physical and social infrastructure, urban design, recreation and conservation. 117 TG POLICY-3: Urban Design Urban design treatment will be one of the areas covered in the local area plan noted above. The urban design treatment will place emphasis on the functional and aesthetical improvements of the centre and will include the provision of significant high-quality gateway features at all entrances to the centre and features of identity in various parts of the town, the interface between the pedestrian and vehicular movement, improvements to streetscapes to include tree planting along the major roadways, management of signage and advertising, overhead utility lines, lighting and security, vehicular circulation and the related on and off-street parking, public plazas, and an interconnected system of open spaces. Urban design treatment will consider the form, appearance, height and bulk of new development within the context of the need to retain the rural character of the town and provide a Town Centre Design Framework for keynote projects to be undertaken within its boundaries. TG POLICY-4: Population The population of Sangre Grande will grow to 22,470 by the year 2020, representing an average annual rate of growth of 2.4 percent since 2000. The population of the town will grow through natural increase but mainly through in-migration from other parts of the East-West Corridor, representing 28.1 percent of the total anticipated population. TG POLICY-5: Housing The population for the centre in 2020 will reside in 5,405 dwelling units and this will be in the form of a mix of densities with a greater tendency for higher densities towards the core and at major nodal points. The increase in population will largely be accommodated through infilling on the vacant lands within existing boundaries and through possible town expansion. Population densities and the form of new development will be detailed in the local area planning for the town. The proposed La Aurora Gated Community development on a 13-hectare site south of the Sangre Grande town centre will produce 76 residential plots, 45 villa lots, and 32 town house units. The Picton Road Extension sub-division of 8.2 hectares will convert these lands into residential plots (partly regularisation of existing development). 118 TG POLICY-6: Economy The key economic activities for this sub-region will be: Agriculture/Agricultural Marketing and Distribution; Industrial Development – mainly agro-processing and light manufacturing; Sports and Events Tourism; Financial Services; Commerce and Distribution, including development of micro and small businesses; and Upgraded Public Services and Administration. TG POLICY-7: Transportation Apart from the upgrade of all major roads into Rio Claro, the main transportation proposals for the Sangre Grande town centre will be the expansion of CRH which will pass north of the town centre, the development of the Sangre Grande Southern Ring Road, and the development of the Arima to Sangre Grande leg of the TRRTS. The upgrading of the public transport system and development of a transit hub for maxitaxis and taxis hub will facilitate intra-regional and interregional travel. A facility is also proposed to cater for the demand for increased parking within the area. The Sangre Grande town centre will be reconfigured to become a walkable centre, and so attention will be given to the development of appropriate pedestrian right-of-way networks, and bicycle and motorcycle rights-of-way and parking facilities. TG POLICY-8: Social Facilities A number of social facilities will form part of the infrastructure available in this major centre, thus improving and strengthening the delivery of social services to the Region. The following is carded for development in this sub-region – the SGRC Administration Centre, Judiciary Centre, Fire Station (already built), Enhanced Primary Health Care Facility and an Upgraded Sangre Grande Hospital, a Learning Resource Centre, and a Sports Stadium and Indoor Facility and Youth Facility. 119 TG POLICY-9: Physical Infrastructure and Public Utilities The Sangre Grande booster station and water distribution system will be upgraded to ensure that WASA‟s goals of at least 70 percent of the population get at least four days of pipeline water supply per week are met in Sangre Grande. Wastewater management will be tackled in a meaningful way with the development and operation of the Sangre Grande STP which is expected to service the Sangre Grande/North Oropouche catchment area. Attention will be given to improved stormwater control and landslide hazard control. Drainage works must be carried out along the Guaico River and in the context of a sub-regional drainage action plan. Collaboration will be required among stakeholders in the development of this action plan. Greater Sangre Grande (GS) GS POLICY-1: Distribution of Built Development This corridor is essentially a ribbon of seven villages strung out along the main roads in the sub-region and consists of Coal Mine, Sangre Chiquito, Turure, Maraj Hill, Guaico, Oropouche, and Cunaripo. The Plan will see the villages expanding modestly in population and this will take the form of infilling within the existing communities and possibly new housing development. Much of the development will be in direct response to activities taking place in the town centre and the continued eastward expansion of the East-West Corridor. The plan proposes the establishment of lower-order facilities to satisfy the needs of the local communities. However, the service needs of this area will be provided mainly by the town centre. GS POLICY-2: Local Area Planning A development study will be prepared for this sub-region that will review its existing conditions within the area. The study will provide recommendations with respect to the detailed form and pattern of development of this area for the next 10 years and will refine the policies contained in this strategic municipal plan. The study will pay particular attention to the improvement to the spatial economy and the provision of housing, the provision of services, physical infrastructure, urban design and recreation in creation to its role as a satellite area to the town centre. 120 GS POLICY-3: Urban Design Urban design treatment will be one of the areas covered in the development study above. The urban design treatment will significantly consider the heritage and cultural context the sub-region and the neighbouring town centre. The urban design solutions will address the issue of capitalising on the existing character of the area with a view to enhancing the streetscape elements, the provision of shade trees, street furniture, pedestrian paths, lighting and security, improved public spaces and green areas, the treatment of advertising signage and overhead utility lines. GS POLICY-4: Population The population in this sub-region will grow by 3,318 persons by 2020 giving a total of 13,485 at an annual growth rate of 1.8 percent. The population at this time will be 16.9 percent of the total municipal population. GS POLICY-5: Housing The population of the sub-region by 2020 will be accommodated in 3,455 dwelling units, with most being single family units and multi-family structures in the traditional form of single family houses or houses with one unit on either of two floors or duplexes. GS POLICY-6: Economy The key economic activities for this sub-region will be: Ecotourism/Agro-tourism/Community Tourism; Agriculture/Agro-processing; Quarrying; Commerce and Distribution, including the development of micro and small businesses. GS POLICY-7: Transportation The major road works for this area will be the upgrading of the main roads and the internal road network within the Corridor including the upgrade of agricultural and quarry roads. Public transport services will be improved by the PTSC to facilitate intra-regional and interregional travel. 121 GS POLICY-8: Social Facilities Social services along the Corridor - educational and recreational facilities will be upgraded to meet the changing needs. GS POLICY-9: Physical Infrastructure and Public Utilities Public water supply and distribution system in the settlements in the Corridor and environs will be improved to ensure that at least 70 percent of the population will get at least four days of pipeline water supply per week. Community-based water system will be supported. Improved wastewater management will be facilitated with the development and operation of the Sangre Grande STP proposed by WASA within the Municipality. Attention will be given to improved stormwater control and landslide hazard control and landslide control. Drainage works should be carried out in the context of a sub-regional drainage action plan. Matura to Matelot (MT) MT POLICY-1: Distribution of Built Development This area is essentially a ribbon of 15 villages strung out along the Toco and Paria Main Roads and the neighbouring lands, most of which are protected or agricultural. The communities include Anglais Settlement, Balandra, Grand Riviere, L‟Anse Noir, Mahoe, Matelot, Matura, Mission, Monte Video, Rampanalgas, Salybia Village, San Souci, Toco, Tompire and Cumana. One of the main characteristics of this area is its high aesthetic appeal or rugged coastline against a backdrop of forest covered mountains. The sub-region also forms the Northeast Trinidad Tourism Anchor. The plan will see the villages expanding marginally in population and this will take the form of infilling within the existing communities and expansion in a northerly and southerly direction into the lands main roads. There will be no further expansion of ribbon development within this Corridor. An important determinant of the future expansion of built development in this sub-region will be the expansion of tourism/ecotourism and the development of a port in Toco, and associated spinoff activities which will be important employment opportunities in the area. 122 123 MT POLICY-2: Local Area Planning A local area plan will be developed for the development of Toco and neighbouring communities over a 10-year horizon. This plan will refine the policy with respect to the intended spatial expansion of the town and will adjust it accordingly. The Plan will be monitored and revised periodically and will include, among other things, the treatment of economy, population distribution and density, land use allocations by type, the provision of housing, employment, the location of market places, physical and social infrastructure provision, urban design, recreation and conservation. It is intended that the core of the town will remain at the existing location. The plan will be informed by the development of a Sangre Grande Ecotourism Strategy which will provide recommendations for holistic development Northeast Trinidad Tourism Anchor and M2M ecotourism product. MT POLICY-3: Urban Design Urban design treatment will be one of the areas covered in the development study for the nodal area identified above. The treatment will ensure that the village character of the area is maintained, with enhancement of the streetscape along the main road, the provision of shade trees, street furniture, pedestrian sidewalks, lighting and security, improved public spaces and the management of advertising signage and overhead utility lines. MT POLICY-4: Population It is estimated that the population of the area will grow modestly within the plan horizon to 8,508 persons, having 10.6 percent of the total municipal population and with an average annual growth rate of 1.7 percent to 2020. It is expected that the population of the corridor, will be focused in the Cumana, Grand Riviere and Matura areas. MT POLICY-5: Housing The population for the corridor in 2020 will be accommodated in 2,794 dwelling units, with a significant proportion of this housing being vacation homes and accommodation. These dwelling units will be in the form of single and multi-family structures in the traditional form of single family houses or houses with one unit on either of two floors or duplexes. The density and form of new housing will respect the existing village character of the community. 124 MT POLICY-6: Economy The key economic activities for this sub-region will be: Resort Tourism/Ecotourism/Agro-tourism/Community Tourism; Agriculture/Agro-processing; Fishing/Fish Processing; Financial Services in Toco; Enhanced Public Services; Nature Conservation; Commerce and Distribution, including the development of micro and small businesses. There are number of infrastructural facilities strategically required within the various communities which must be developed to improve resident and visitor tourism experience. They include the following: Development and upgrading of tourism facilities – which include provision of concessionaries, administrative facilities, lifeguard quarters, public change, tourism information centres, car park facilities on main beaches - Manzanilla Bay, Balandra Bay, San Souci Bay, Big Bay, Shark River, Grand Riviere, Matura River, Broad Walk Fishing Pond. Provision of life guards on frequently used beaches; Upgrading of heritage structures – development of car parking facilities; Community-led management recreational facilities. of Galera tourism Lighthouse, facilities, open including the spaces and Development of a heritage centre which provides information about the natural and cultural history of the area. The development of a Farm and Agricultural Resource Management (FARM) Centrewill organise and apply the existing reservoir of agricultural knowledge and experience in the region, while conducting the studies necessary for charting the best course for the future. In addition, there is need to explore the development of organic agriculture niche for crops coming out of the area. These have been highlighted a major proposal in Alternative Development Plan prepared by residents of the M2M. 125 MT POLICY -7: Transportation The major road works for this area are the upgrading of the Toco and Paria Main Roads and the internal road network within the district, including its agricultural roads. Port development will require a widening of the Toco Main Road. Public transport services will be improved by the PTSC to facilitate intra-regional and interregional travel. The town centre will be redesigned to become walkable centre, thus attention will be given to the development of appropriate pedestrian and bicycle and motorcycle rights-of-way and parking facilities. MT POLICY-8: Social Facilities However, number of social facilities will form part of the amenities available in Toco as a major centre, thus improving and strengthening the delivery of social services within the sub-region. Consideration will be given to the development of a multipurpose facility which should cater for the conduct of productive and social activities. Educational and health facilities will be upgraded the neighbouring communities. Recreational and upgraded and children playgrounds developed for be upgraded in particular an upgrading of the needed. to meet the changing needs and open spaces in the area will be the area. Community centres will Grand Riviere centre is urgently MT POLICY-9: Physical Infrastructure and Public Utilities Public water supply and distribution system in the settlements in the Corridor and environs will be improved to ensure that at least 70 percent of the population will get at least four days of pipe borne water supply per week, particularly in Matura and in Matelot. Improved wastewater management will be facilitated with the development and operation of the Toco and Balandra STPs which are expected to service the Toco and Balandra catchment areas. Attention will be given to improved stormwater control and landslide hazard control and landslide control. Addressing coastal erosion and coastal defence is a major priority particularly for along the North Coast where the Coastal Protection Study has been conducted. A similar exercise is required for the East Coast. Drainage works must be carried out in the context of a sub-regional drainage action plan which should be developed for the area. 126 Valencia (VA) Valencia consists essentially of the town centre and the surrounding communities of Valencia, Melajo and Cumaca located some 12.1 kilometres of the town centre. The area also forms parts of several protected areas including the Matura Reserve and National Park, Valencia Reserve, Long Stretch Reserve and the Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve. Valencia will retain its position as the major urban centre on the eastern coast of the country. The centre will retain and enhance its traditional small-town charm, historical and cultural importance as gateway to the Municipality of Sangre Grande, the Sangre Grande town centre and M2M sub-region and will witness improvements to its functioning, provision of services and aesthetic appeal. The town will be provide some level of housing accommodation and higher level services to service the UTT which will be within 10 minutes of its boundaries. The town will continue to cater persons involved in the quarries industry and to visitors on their way to recreational, leisure and ecotourism activities within the sub-region and the rest of the Municipality. However the expansion of the CRH is likely to reduce traffic and some commercial activities into the area. It is intended that there will be some benefits to the community based on better control and management of the quarries industry, rehabilitation of the Long Stretch reserve and the Savannas Strict Nature Reserve in the Region. VA POLICY-1: Distribution of Built Development An important influence on the nature of town expansion for Valencia will be the location of new housing development in the area which will cater for student and staff accommodation and in-migration from person seeking housing along the EastWest Corridor. The town centre for Valencia should continue to expand mainly through infilling of lands in the existing town centre and along the Valencia Road. The amount of development which takes place within Valencia may depend largely on outside forces. Some of the anticipated expansion of the town will occur outside the time horizon of this Plan as the Tamana InTech Park continues to develop and the other major projects in other neighbouring municipalities offer opportunities. 127 128 VA POLICY-2: Local Area Planning A local area plan will be prepared for the town that will guide its development over a 10-year horizon. This plan will be refine the policy with respect to the intended spatial expansion of the town and will adjust it accordingly. The Plan will be monitored and revised periodically and will include, among other things, the treatment of economy, population distribution and density, land use allocations by type, the provision of housing, employment provision lands, the location of market places, physical and social infrastructure provision, urban design, recreation and conservation. It is intended that the core of the town will remain at the existing location. The plan will devote special attention to the rehabilitation of abandoned quarry lands and the opportunities presented for a mix of activities, from conservation to fishing farming, active and passive recreation, and recreation and heritage tourism potential of the town and its immediately adjacent environs. VA POLICY-3: Urban Design Urban design treatment will be one of the areas covered in the local area plan noted above. The urban design treatment will significantly consider the particular heritage and cultural history of the town and that of the wider community within which it falls. The urban design treatment will emphasise the functional and aesthetical improvements of the centre and will include the provision of significant, high-quality gateway features at all entrances to the town, the interface between the pedestrian and vehicular movement, improvements to streetscapes, management of signage and advertising, overhead utility lines, vehicular circulation and the related on and off-street parking, lighting and security, public plazas, and an interconnected system of open spaces. Urban design treatment will consider the form, appearance, height and bulk of new development within the context of the need to retain the particular rural character of the town and will not take the form of mid-high rise structures. Consideration will be give to the rejuvenation of some of the older housing settlements within the area. VA POLICY-4: Population The population of Valencia will grow by another 3,154 to 12,094 by the year 2020, representing an average annual rate of growth of 3.8 percent since 2000. The population would grow through natural increase and in-migration and would accommodate 15.1 percent of the total proposed municipal population. VA POLICY-5: Housing 129 The population for the town in 2020 will reside in 2,741 dwelling units and this will be in the form of a mix of densities with a greater tendency for higher densities towards the town centre. The density, form, height and appearance of new housing development will benefit from the consideration of the need to maintain the character of the centre and will not take the form of mid-high rise structures. A significant addition to the housing stock in the area will be the La Viviendas development being undertaken by the Public Services Association on a 6.9 hectare site at the corner of Valencia Road and San Pedro Trace. This development comprises 103 residential units in 30 single-family and 73 town-house units, a convenience plaza, clubhouse, gym and spa. In addition, there is need to continue the programme of squatter regularisation in the area, particularly the relocation of squatters from the Long Stretch and Aripo Savannas Reserves. VA POLICY-6: Economy The key economic activities for this sub-region will be: Agriculture/Agro-processing – livestock production, vegetable, root crop and tree crop production; Quarrying; Tourism/Ecotourism; Financial Services; Commerce and Distribution, including the development of micro and small businesses; and Upgraded Public Services and Administration. VA POLICY-7: Transportation The main transportation proposals for Valencia include the expansion of the CRH which is expected to reduce the volume of traffic passing through Valencia, and an improvement in services by the PTSC to facilitate improved intra-regional and interregional travel. The town centre will be redesigned to become a walkable centre, and as a result attention will be given to the development of appropriate pedestrian and bicycle and motorcycle rights-of-way and parking facilities. Major roads leading to and from Central Valencia will be upgraded and maintained in keeping with the Thematic Proposals. The Cumaca Road will be completed to ensure connectivity of the community with the rest of the sub-region and Municipality. Upgrading will be required to certain sections of the Valencia Road. 130 VA POLICY-8: Social Facilities A number of social facilities will form part of the social facilities available in this major centre, thus improving and strengthening the delivery of social services within the sub-region and the Municipality as a whole. All recreational facilities and grounds within this district will be upgraded. Educational and health facilities will be upgraded to meet the changing needs of Valencia. VA POLICY-9: Physical Infrastructure and Public Utilities Public water supply and distribution system in the settlements will be improved to ensure that at least 70 percent of the population will get at least four days of pipe borne water per week. Wastewater management will be tackled in a meaningful way with the development and operation of the centralised wastewater treatment system to cater to the Wallerfield/Valencia catchment area. Attention will be given to improved stormwater management and control and so drainage works must be carried out in the context of a sub-regional drainage action plan to be developed in the short term. Greater Tamana (GT) GT POLICY-1: Distribution of Built Development This area is essentially a ribbon of seven villages strung out along the main roads of the area. The main centres include Cumuto and Tamana and the smaller villages Four Roads Tamana, Guatopajaro, Howsen Village, Carmichael, and Coryal. The Plan will see the villages consolidating and expanding marginally in population, taking the form of infilling within the existing communities. There will be some expansion in Cumuto mainly due to increase housing demand in the area driven by the development of the Tamana InTech Park and UTT Main Campus. Much of the growth of Greater Tamana will depend on activities at the Park, and development of ecotourism in the more far-flung areas. GT POLICY-2: Local Area Planning A local area plan will be developed for the development of Cumuto which rationalising the development of the neighbouring communities over a 10-year horizon. This plan will be refine the policy with respect to the intended spatial expansion of the town and will adjust it accordingly. The Plan will be monitored and revised periodically and will include, among other things, the treatment of economy, population distribution and density, land use allocations by type, the provision of housing, employment provision lands, the location of market places, physical and 131 social infrastructure provision, urban design, recreation and conservation. It is intended that the core of the town will remain at the existing location. The plan will be informed by the development of a Sangre Grande Ecotourism Strategy which will provide recommendations for holistic ecotourism development in Greater Tamana. GT POLICY-3: Urban Design Urban design treatment will be one of the areas covered in the local area plan. The treatment will ensure that the village character of the area is maintained, with enhancement of the streetscape along the main road, the provision of shade trees, street furniture, pedestrian sidewalks, lighting and security, improved public spaces and the management of advertising signage and overhead utility lines. GT POLICY-4: Population The population of Valencia will grow to 12,352 by the year 2020 with most of this growth in Cumuto, representing an average annual rate of growth of 1.9 percent since 2000. The population would grow mainly through the presence of the Park and UTT Campus in the vicinity. The sub-region will accommodate 15.4 percent of the total proposed municipal population. GT POLICY-5: Housing The population for the corridor in 2020 will be accommodated in 3,141 dwelling units. These dwelling units will be in the form of single and multi-family structures in the traditional form of single family houses or houses with one unit on either of two floors or duplexes. The density and form of new housing will respect the existing village character of the community. GT POLICY-6: Economy The key economic activities for this sub-region will be: Resort Tourism/Ecotourism/Agro-tourism/Community Tourism; Agriculture/Agro-processing; Financial Services in Cumuto; Enhanced Public Services; 132 Commerce and Distribution, including the development of micro and small businesses. GT POLICY-7: Transportation The major road works for this area are the upgrading of the sub-region‟s main roads and the internal road network within the district, including its agricultural roads. Public transport services will be improved by the PTSC to facilitate intra-regional and interregional travel. The Cumuto town centre will be redesigned to become walkable centre, thus attention will be given to the development of appropriate pedestrian and bicycle and motorcycle rights-of-way and parking facilities. GT POLICY-8: Social Facilities However, number of social facilities will form part of the social facilities available in Cumuto as a major centre, thus improving and strengthening the delivery of social services within the sub-region. Consideration will be given to the development of a multi-purpose facility which should cater for the conduct of productive and social activities. Educational and health facilities will be upgraded to meet the changing needs and the neighbouring communities. Recreational and open spaces in the area will be upgraded and children playgrounds developed for the area. Community centres will be upgraded as required. GT POLICY-9: Physical Infrastructure and Public Utilities Public water supply and distribution system in the settlements in the sub-region will be improved to ensure that at least 70 percent of the population get at least four days of pipe borne water supply per week. The area forms part of the Sangre Grande wastewater catchment area and so improved wastewater management will be facilitated with the development and operation of the proposed STP for the area. Attention will be given to improved storm-water control and landslide hazard control and landslide control partly through recommendations of the North Oropouche Flood Mitigation Study. Drainage works should however be carried out in the context of a sub-regional drainage action plan. 133 Manzanilla (MA) MA POLICY-1: Distribution of Built Development This area is essentially rural in characteristics stretching from inland agricultural communities to coastal community of Manzanilla. The major feature of this corridor is its laid back environment and scenic coastal vistas, making it a sub-region of high aesthetic value. Part of the region forms part of the East Coast Scenic Corridor. The area is made up of Biche, Manzanilla, Plum Mitan and Caigual. Built development in the Plan period will be restricted to the existing traditional settlements. Built development south of village of Manzanilla will be contained to ensure mimimal disturbance of the seascape. Recreational use will be encouraged throughout the East Coast Corridor, eco-type uses and activities will be encouraged south of the Manzanilla village due to the swamp ecosystems found in this area. MA POLICY-2: Urban Design Urban design treatment for this district will include the establishment of a major gateway feature at the northern entrance to predict in the East Coast Corridor. In addition, the Plan proposes the retention of the coconut estates along the Manzanilla-Mayaro Road because of the high amenity value and contribution to the unique character of the zone. The plan proposes the overriding maintenance of large stands of coconut trees within all resort projects as an integral aspect of the development of the area. MA POLICY-3: Population The population in this sub-region will grow modestly within the plan horizon to 4,427 persons, having 5.5 percent of the total municipal population and with an average annual rate of growth of 1.9 percent to 2020. MA POLICY-4: Housing The population for the sub-region in 2020 will be accommodated in 1,263 dwelling units. 134 135 136 MA POLICY-5: Economy The key economic activities for this sub-region will be: Fishing and Fish Processing; Agriculture/Agro-processing; Resort Tourism, Events Tourism, Nature Tourism, Ecotourism/Agro-tourism Commerce and Distribution, including the development of micro and small businesses; and MA POLICY-6: Transportation The major road works for this area will be the expansion of the CRH, the upgrading of the EMR and Mayaro-Manzanilla Road and the internal road network within the Corridor, including the agricultural roads. Public transport services will be improved by the PTSC to facilitate intra-regional and interregional travel. MA POLICY -7: Social Facilities Social services along the Corridor - educational and recreational facilities will be upgraded to meet the changing needs within the district. MA POLICY-8: Physical Infrastructure and Public Utilities Public water supply and distribution system in the settlements in the Corridor and environs will be improved to ensure that at least 70 percent of the population will get at least four days of pipeline water supply per week. Community-based water system will be supported. Improved wastewater management will be facilitated with the development and operation of the individual wastewater systems and improved onlot septic tanks and soakaway systems. Attention will be given to improved stormwater control and landslide hazard control and landslide control. Drainage works must be carried out in the context of a sub-regional drainage action plan. Coastal defence works will be undertaken to address coastal erosion along the southeast coastline. 137 Fishing Pond/North Manzanilla (FM) FM POLICY-1: Distribution of Built Development There are four rural villages (Fishing Pond, Morin Bay, North Manzanilla and Brooklyn Settlement) forming a linear development along the main secondary roads of the sub-region. Policy for this corridor will result in a continuation of the current pattern of residential use. There will be some consolidation of the ribbon development in the Fishing Pond. The plan will see the villages expanding marginally in population and this will take the form of infilling within the existing communities and expansion in a northerly and southerly direction into the lands main roads. There will be no further expansion of ribbon development within this Corridor. An important determinant of the future expansion of built development in this sub-region will be the expansion of tourism/ecotourism and the development of a port in Toco, and associated spinoff activities which will be important employment opportunities in the area. FM POLICY-2: Population The population in this sub-region will grow to 6,664 persons by 2020 at an annual growth rate of 1.3 percent. By this time, the sub-regional population will account for 8.3 percent of the total municipal population. FM POLICY-3: Housing The population of the sub-region by 2020 will be accommodated in 1,901 dwelling units, with most being single family units and multi-family structures in the traditional form of single family houses or houses with one unit on either of two floors or duplexes. 138 FM POLICY-4: Economy The key economic activities for Fishing Pond/North Manzanilla will be: Ecotourism/Agro-tourism/Community Tourism; Agriculture/Agro-processing – mainly vegetable, tree crop production, rice production; Commerce and Distribution, including the development of micro and small businesses. Improvements are needed in infrastructure to accommodate community based ecotourism ventures. FM POLICY-5: Transportation The major road works for this area will be the upgrading of the main access roads and the agricultural access roads. Public transport services will be improved by the PTSC to facilitate intra-regional and interregional travel. FM POLICY-6: Social Facilities Social services along the Corridor - educational and recreational facilities will be upgraded to meet the changing needs. FM POLICY-7: Physical Infrastructure and Public Utilities Public water supply and distribution system in the settlements in the Corridor and environs will be improved to ensure that at least 70 percent of the population will get at least four days of pipeline water supply per week. Community-based water system will be supported. Improved wastewater management will be facilitated with the development and operation of the individual wastewater systems and improved onlot septic tanks and soakaway systems. Attention will be given to improved stormwater control and landslide hazard control and landslide control. Drainage works must be carried out in the context of a sub-regional drainage action plan. Coastal defence works will be undertaken to address coastal erosion along the southeast coastline. 139 Implementation The Plan is to be implemented over the next 10 years, although some of the programmes and projects will not be completed during that time frame. Implementation Mechanisms Proper development management and adequate and sustained funding are prerequisites to implementation of the Plan. Public-private sector partnerships are made critical by the magnitude of the task of resolving the existing issues and forestalling future problems, by the limits to the capability of Central Government and the SGRC, and by the extent of private ownership of some of the resources. The participation of the affected communities is no less significant if the Plan is to have the support of the burgesses and to make a positive difference in their lives. Management of Development The successful implementation of the development proposals requires concerted action on the part of both Central and Local Government, assisted by civil society. It is, therefore, necessary to build managerial competence and capacity in all of the relevant public sector agencies in particular, in planning, finance, and service provision. The current uncoordinated approach to planning and implementation of public sector projects will be replaced by a system which almost mandates collaboration of the relevant agencies. The establishment of the Coordinating Committee referred to earlier will serve to assist the management of the entire development process. This Committee should 140 comprise of persons with the requisite training and with commitment to the task of ensuring sustainable development of the Municipality. There also has to be a willingness to allow the participation of civil society, including the land developers, environmentalists, NGOs and CBOs as co-managers in the process, and an ability to manage partnerships and resolve conflicts with these groups. Funding The PSIP will continue to be a significant source of funding for those programmes and projects to be undertaken by the SGRC, MLG, or other Central Government agency. These include the preparation of more detailed or focused plans, a number of large projects, and the infrastructural programmes and projects – both social and physical. Some housing will be funded by the HDC with partial cost recovery through the sale or rental of the properties, and by the LSA as part of squatter regularisation and upgrading schemes. The funding situation of the SGRC will be improved if the agency is allowed to introduce and retain user fees, for example, to enter attractions (which would also serve to reduce visitation levels), and fines for infractions of the legislation. The considerable resources of the Green Fund can be accessed by community based groups to undertake reforestation projects on degraded Northern Range land in collaboration with the Forestry Division. Public-Private Sector Partnerships will be required for many of the projects. For example, with respect to the proposals to develop the eco-tourism sector in the lagging regions, the State would be required to invest in basic infrastructure and services and to provide incentives to encourage the participation of the private sector in the provision of tourism accommodation facilities and services. Incentives may also be given to private land owners to encourage them to engage in reforestation projects or other ecologically-friendly forms of cultivation on their holdings. Fees collected by the EMA in accordance with the „Polluter Pays‟ principle that is included in the NEP should go to clean up pollution in the aquatic environment in the Municipality. Community Participation in the Development Process It will be important for the Corporation to develop a register of NGOs and CBOs operating in the Municipality. The SGRC will support the participation of groups which are already engaged in developing their communities in one form or another, by opening lines of communication with them. This requires a much closer collaboration with the MCDCGA, more frequent presence of Corporation staff throughout the 141 Municipality, and particularly in the more isolated areas, and a willingness to take on board the views of persons who, by and large, are well informed and knowledgeable about local issues. The Local Government Reform Programme does, in fact, require greater collaboration between the Corporation and the communities under its jurisdiction and a greater level of community participation in the process of planning and decision-making. This can be achieved through inviting, encouraging and facilitating representation by relevant stakeholder interests at statutory and other meetings of the Corporation. This can be assisted if some of the meetings are scheduled within the communities, particularly where a pressing issue of direct relevance to the community is to be discussed. As suggested by stakeholders and indicated in Chapter 4, the Corporation will give consideration to stakeholder groups being represented on committees and or to form committees that would have an input in the planning and management of their communities. This would give to burgesses a vehicle for expressing their views, and would help to ensure „buy-in‟ of development proposals. It would introduce a system of checks and balances that is generally lacking from the current system of governance. The groups, however, need to be empowered and assisted with funding to participate in the various opportunities that might be available, for example, in eco-tourism or reforestation projects. Programmes and Projects The projects that derive from the RDP are listed in Table 6.1 along with the main agencies which will collaborate with the SGRC in getting them implemented. The RDC or other relevant Special Purpose Company will also play a role in the process. Monitoring and Review The Plan will be monitored and kept under continuous review to determine the effectiveness of the policies and programmes and to make adjustments as necessary. The Coordinating Committee will be important in this regard. However, less formal monitoring through the community groups will be just as critical. It is intended to take the RDP through the approval process set out in Part 2 of the Town and Country Planning Act. In this case, the legislation stipulates that at least once in every five years after the date of approval by Parliament a fresh survey must be carried out and a report on this together with “proposals for any alterations or additions…that appear to… be required…” be submitted for approval. 142 Notwithstanding, proposals for alterations or additions to the Plan can be submitted at any time. 143 DRAFT SANGRE GRANDE REGIONAL PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT PLAN – PROPOSED Collaborating Agency/Agencies Sub-regional and Local Area Plans 1. Development of Sangre Grande Town Centre Land Area Plan , including detailed urban design Sangre Grande Town Centre MLG/SGRC Public, Private, and NGO and Community Sectors 2. Development of Valencia Land Plan, including detailed urban design Valencia MLG/SGRC Public, Private, and NGO and Community Sectors 3. Development of M2M Sub-regional Plan, including detailed urban design for Toco town centre Matura to Matelot MLG/SGRC Public, Private, and NGO and Community Sectors 4. Development of Greater Tamana Subregional Plan, including detailed urban design for Cumuto Greater Tamana MLG/SGRC Public, Private, and NGO and Community Sectors 5. Landscape Plan for Sangre Grande Municipality MLG/SGRC Public, Private, and NGO and Community Sectors Public-Private Sector Investment Projects 6. Development of Vision City Sangre Grande Town Centre Private Sector SGRC/GoRTT 7. Development of Pueblo Nuevo Sangre Grande Town Centre Private Sector SGRC/GoRTT 8. Eco-Sangre Grande Research Development Programme Municipality UWI/UTT SGRC, NEDCO, BDC, Private Sector and 144 2016/20 Programmes and Projects Implementing Agency/Agencies 2013/15 Targeted Localities 2010/12 Development Phases Programme Number Project Priority Rating (1-3) Collaborating Agency/Agencies Environmental SGRC NGO and Community Sector, EMA, MOH Municipality MALMR/ NGO and Community Sector SGRC Regulation of the Quarry Industry Valencia, Greater Sangre Grande, Greater Tamana MEEI SGRC/ Operators 12. Community-based reforestation Municipality National Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme SGRC 13. Rehabilitation of Abandoned Quarries Valencia MEEI/SGRC Quarry Operators 9. Eco Sangre Grande Environment Programme – Forest Management, Public Health, Improved Water Collection, Handling and Safety, Waste Management, Health and Wellness, Climate Change 10. Co-management Programme 11. Conservation Quarry Economic Development 14. Development of Sangre Grande Municipality Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan Municipality SGRC/TDC CBOs 15. Facilitating Community-led Ecotourism Tourism Initiatives M2M, Greater Tamana, Fishing Pond, North Manzanilla, Manzanilla SGRC/TDC/CBOs Private Sector 16. Branding SGRC/TDC NGO and Community and Ecotourism Marketing 145 2016/20 Implementing Agency/Agencies 2013/15 Programmes and Projects Targeted Localities 2010/12 Development Phases Programme Number Project Priority Rating (1-3) Programme 17. Collaborating Agency/Agencies sector Development of tourism facilities – which include provision of concessionaries, administrative facilities, lifeguard quarters, public change, tourism information centres, car park facilities 18. Provision of Lifeguard Services 19. Research Tourism Initiative 20. Municipal Agriculture Programme 21. Development of a Farm and Agricultural Resource Management (FARM) Centre 22. Establishment of Eco-Sangre Grande Foods (Organic Farming) Programme Rehabilitation At main beaches, rivers and scenic areas which include TDC/SGRC CBOs TDC SGRC Matura National Park, Aripo Savannah UWI/UTT SGRC, CBOs Municipality SGRC/MALMR Municipal Associations MALMR/CBOs SGRC MALMR/CBOs SGRC Valencia, Manzanilla Bay, Salybia Bay, Balandra Bay, San Souci Bay, Big Bay, Shark River, Grand Riviere, Matura River, Broad Walk Fishing Pond, Matelot River/Bay Salibya Bay, Sally Bay, Manzanilla Bay, Balandra Bay Agricultural areas Farmers 146 2016/20 Implementing Agency/Agencies 2013/15 Programmes and Projects Targeted Localities 2010/12 Development Phases Programme Number Project Priority Rating (1-3) 23. Development of agro-processing facilities 24. Development of wholesale market and refurbishment of the retail market Sangre Proper Grande Collaborating Agency/Agencies SGRC/Private Sector Municipal Association NAMDEVCO/SGRC Farmers, Wholesalers and retailers of agricultural produce and products Farmers Transportation 25. Extension of the CRH From Antigua Road to Manzanilla MOWT SGRC 26. Development of the Sangre Grande Southern Ring Road Sangre Proper MOWT SGRC 27. Road Maintenance Programmes Municipality Central Roads Government Grande MOWT Main MALMR Agriculture Feeder Roads SGRC Local Government Designated Roads MOWT SGRC Port Authority SGRC Public Transportation Demand Study SGRC SGRC/MLG 31. Municipal Programme Housing Development HDC SGRC 32. Municipal Squatter Regularisation Land 28. Feasibility Study for the Development of the Blanchisseuse-Matelot Road 29. Feasibility Study of the Toco Port Facilities 30. Toco Housing Settlement SGRC 147 2016/20 Programmes and Projects Implementing Agency/Agencies 2013/15 Targeted Localities 2010/12 Development Phases Programme Number Project Priority Rating (1-3) Programme 33. Green Building Code Collaborating Agency/Agencies Agency Country wide TCPD/MLG MLG, Municipal Corporations, State Agencies, NGOs Infrastructure and Public Utilities 34. Drainage Development and Maintenance Programme Municipality Drainage Division Drainage Division Local Government SGRC MOWT, CEPEP, URP 35. Municipal Flood Mitigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project Municipality Drainage Division SGRC 36. Coastal Defence Works Programme M2M – North Coast from Matelot to Toco MOWT SGRC Greater Tamana WASA SCRC All Ministries Development Maintenance 37. Development of Municipal Water Sector Improvement Programme M2M Water Supply Water Distribution 38. Asset Management Programme – Inventory and Database Management (to feed into a national system) Municipality SGRC 39. Development of Gateways to the Municipality and Major Town Centres Valencia, Manzanilla, Toco SGRC 148 2016/20 Implementing Agency/Agencies 2013/15 Programmes and Projects Targeted Localities 2010/12 Development Phases Programme Number Project Priority Rating (1-3) 40. Construction of Municipal Corporation Building Sangre Proper Grande SGRC 41. Development of Sangre Grande Town Centre Centralised Wastewater Treatment System Sangre Proper Grande WASA 42. Upgrading of the Internet Network M2M, Tamana Greater Telecommunications Service Providers Collaborating Agency/Agencies Social and Community Facilities and Services 43. Upgrading of recreational and sports grounds Municipality SGRC MSYA, SCOTT 44. Development of Regional Centre of the Arts Sangre Proper Grande SGRC MCDCGA, NGOs and CBOs 45. Redevelopment and Expansion of a Sangre Grande Hospital Sangre Proper Grande MOH SGRC 46. Upgrading Facilities Municipality MOH SGRC 47. Upgrading of Toco Hospital Toco MOH SGRC 48. Development of a Learning Resource Centre Sangre Proper Grande SGRC 49. Development of Sangre Grande Judicial Complex Sangre Proper Grande SGRC 50. Development of Indoor Sports and Youth Facility Sangre Proper Grande SGRC 51. Development of network of CCTV systems Main town centres of Primary Health Care Trinidad and Tobago Police Service 149 2016/20 Implementing Agency/Agencies 2013/15 Programmes and Projects Targeted Localities 2010/12 Development Phases Programme Number Project Priority Rating (1-3) 52. Development Service of Community Police Collaborating Agency/Agencies Trinidad and Tobago Police Service/SGRC Municipal Management 53. Strengthening of the human resources of the SGRC MLG/SGRC 54. Update of TCP legislation Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment 55. Establishment of participatory process for annual review and updating of the SG RDP SGRC 56. Establishment of working committees for implementation of SG RDP SGRC 150 2016/20 Programmes and Projects Implementing Agency/Agencies 2013/15 Targeted Localities 2010/12 Development Phases Programme Number Project Priority Rating (1-3)