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Drainage Works Underway in Trents to Address Flooding and Civic Centre Relocation
Drainage works in Trents, St James, are being conducted to mitigate flooding and prepare for the relocation of the Holetown Civic Centre, as confirmed by the Ministry of Transport and Works.
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Originally published by barbadostoday.bb (opens in new tab)
Drainage works now under way at Trents, St James, are aimed at reducing persistent flooding in the tenantry area and preparing the site earmarked for the relocation of the Holetown Civic Centre, the Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) said on Friday.
The ministry confirmed that Infra Construction Inc. is carrying out the project on its behalf.
The update comes amid continuing public interest in the government’s plans to relocate the Holetown Civic Centre from its current beachfront location to Trents as part of a wider west coast redevelopment project.
Last year, the government revealed that the Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL) had been selected for a proposed $176m hotel project at the site of the existing Holetown Civic Centre.
The proposal would require the relocation of the police station, magistrates’ court, library, post office and other government services currently housed there.
The plans generated strong reactions from residents, business operators, heritage advocates and conservation groups, many of whom questioned the impact the project could have on Holetown’s historic character, public access to the area and existing infrastructure.
The ministry also disclosed that work resumed on Tuesday after measures were put in place to address concerns raised by the nearby Frederick Smith Secondary School about dust generated by the project.
According to MTW, a fence was constructed to help contain dust affecting the school.
Officials subsequently met with representatives of the institution on Thursday and reported that no further issues were identified.
When Barbados TODAY visited the site last month, sections of the property had already been cleared and excavated, with caution signs erected along the roadside warning of ongoing works.
A newly dug retention pond was also visible on the property, while on-site workers indicated that drainage infrastructure was being installed as part of the project.
Flooding remains a concern for some residents who live and work in the area.
Maria, who works nearby and declined to give her surname, lamented the impact heavy rainfall has on sections of Holetown and surrounding communities.
“The post office is flooded. The police station is flooded. The water comes up when there is heavy rain,” she told Barbados TODAY.
