Today is indeed a special occasion as we embark, on the commencement of yet another part of our national highway network. It is difficult for many of us here today to think back to a time when places like St. Augustine, El Socorro and Tacarigua were considered sleepy and rural districts. Way back in 1942, that was certainly the case prior to the construction of the two-lane, paved Churchill Roosevelt Highway situated between Fort Read in Wallerfield and the Morvant Junction of the Eastern Main Road.
It is an undeniable fact, that dual carriageway which is known as the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, forever changed the socio-economic landscape of northern Trinidad, contributing in great part to market growth for all the communities situated along its span. Indeed, the most vibrant districts, with their constant high volume of visitors, show that economic hubs are definitely linked to healthy and accessible road systems.
Based upon that fact, we can count ourselves among the fortunate to be here witnessing a pivotal episode in the history of east Trinidad, because on this special occasion, we turn the sod for the Valencia to Toco Road.
In the Valencia to Toco Roadway Project Final Conceptual Design Report conducted by the MMM Group for NIDCO, many facts were revealed that point toward the urgency to create this new infrastructure that will draw Tobago to Trinidad much closer together through Toco/Valencia, and all of the communities located within. We learned from this report, that the current Toco Main Road is a Class II highway outside built up areas and a Class III highway within built up areas.
However, the completion of the new road will upgrade the road to be a Class I highway with the capacity to accommodate high speed traffic and intercity routes.
This is good news because when the MMM Group conducted a study of the background traffic volumes for 2036, based on the development to take place in the Toco port, it showed a 35% spike in vehicular volume, which will eventually engulf Sangre Grande on this same route.
Additionally, ladies and gentlemen, with the proposed Toco port, past ferry data will see an increased number of vehicles and passengers to this facility. According to this data provided by MMM Group, by 2036, 3,100 vehicles per day will be making their way up to the coming Toco port for transport to Tobago.
As can be seen, there is coming a time when the need for a better road will be so great because of increased demand. That is why Government remains confident that the new Valencia to Toco road is a wise and needed investment by the people of this country.
It will seamlessly dovetail into the new Valencia to Toco Road to come, which will be completed under 10 work packages. This new road will link directly to the Churchill Roosevelt Highway Extension to Manzanilla currently being built through an interchange at Ojoe Road just north of Sangre Grande. Heading eastward, it will serve the new Port located in Toco Bay, another one of our flagship infrastructure projects, and the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister.
Therefore, we can view this new Road as a modern platform that will support a far more prosperous future for many in Trinidad and Tobago. Yes, I speak in part about the short term employment that will grow out of the construction of this new current portion of the project.
However, I refer also to businesses that will appear and expand because of greater access to the East of Trinidad and further spawn major development of Sangre Grande which is the closest town en route to the Toco port. The plethora of private businesses this initiative will inspire along with the public sector enterprises that are planned for the multi-purpose port in Toco Bay that will positively impact our local economy.
In 2017, NIDCO engaged consultants to develop a conceptual design for the Toco Ferry Port. And this administration is poised to bring these new ideas and plant them in the potential-filled east Trinidad as they will provide great socio-economic benefits and enable sustained development for this region on a scale similar to the development that gave birth to Point Lisas in the 1960s and which continues to grow considerably in this millennium.
The port facility will boast of a two story inter island ferry terminal building with large double height space and viewing galleries that will provide accommodation for approximately 300 passengers in the waiting lounge.
An upper level area for various merchants selling food and crafts, and other eating establishments are part of the plan as well. Additionally, this facility will also contain:
- A two-story Port Administration building which will require professionals of all levels to help run that operation.
- Cargo Storage which will require customs officials, security professionals and handlers.
- A marine side facility that accommodates 5 ships 100m in length is also an opportunity to employ marine professionals.
- The main Marina will include space for 30 pleasure vessels and as it will be an even larger facility than the smaller marine, it will require even more men and women skilled in this area.
And that is not all. The Capitainerie, which is the construction of a three story building will provide amenities. Some of these amenities are:
- A hotel - because the Marina will attract tourists who sail in on yachts. In fact, this planned hotel will not end up being the only rest spot in the area. With the increase of domestic and international tourists, more hotels, bed and breakfast establishments, inns and restaurants will be required. All will have to be staffed with service providers and administrators in order for these facilities to run smoothly.
- A Customs office which will be staffed with trained officers
- Another administration office, additional restaurants, a members lounge and conference facilities in this area will all require to be appropriately staffed to help make these ventures a true success.
- A Coast Guard Facility and a Fishing Facility that will comprise a police post, a fish market and a fish fry creole village.
These projects combined, will transform Toco Bay as we know it into a great city with a renewed heart, soul and spirit with the capacity to provide long term careers and sustainable financial opportunities for thousands.
However, to get there, requires a well-built modern road with the capacity to move increased traffic in a steady, fluid and safe manner between east and west. For this reason, the Valencia to Toco Road is the path to all of those desirable places providing recreation, employment and of course transportation.
As you will recognise, ladies and gentlemen, without a doubt, closing the transportation infrastructure gap represents the profound opportunity for the Ministry of Works and Transport to literally pave the way toward a sustainable future. Expanding the highway network will create interconnectivity among rural and urban communities and ease traffic congestion.
These projects will complement other roadway and highway initiatives transpiring across Trinidad such as the upgrade of the Moruga Road, and the Solomon Hochoy Highway Extension to Point Fortin. As such, we at the Ministry of Works and Transport remain eager as we carry out Government’s intent to expand upon the national highway system invigorating districts throughout Trinidad and Tobago like streams passing through thirsty lands.
So now we can see that even after the Valencia to Toco Road’s completion, it will continue to serve the nation quite like the manner in which the Churchill Roosevelt Highway begun doing since 1942. Opening up this carriageway will provide goods and services that would now become more accessible in east Trinidad. It will lower the barriers to entry and give entrepreneurs and larger companies as well, greater freedom and more opportunities. This is the developmental foresight that under this Government we are bringing to the country.
As a Government, prudent spending is essential, and as such while ensuring value for money and meeting the needs of the stakeholders, the Ministry of Works and Transport, proposed that the upgrade works for the Valencia Road be vested in the capable hands of the PURE Unit. For more than a decade, PURE has earned a high performance track record through its ability to deliver new road construction, road widening, road rehabilitation, alternate access roads as well as a significant number of bridges, slope stabilisation and drainage works.
As done frequently in the past, the PURE Unit has once again committed to executing all required engineering designs, construction supervision and project management services in-house. This executive decision guarantees significant cost savings by minimizing the need for external consultancy and the outsourcing of related services.
The procurement approach taken, involved the open tendering process. This is a practice whereby, multiple local contractors are invited to place their bids and special emphasis is placed on a provider’s ability to successfully implement the works using local resources and their willingness to provide employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers, some of which may be sourced from the nearby communities.
The Valencia to Toco Road Upgrade projects runs along Valencia Main Road from Valencia Junction to Toco Main Road, spanning a total of 12.4 km of roadway.
PURE’s scope of works for the Upgrade of Valencia Main Road is to be undertaken in 2 phases, namely:
- Phase I : 0 to 6 km
- Phase II: 6to12km
To close, let me reiterate the Ministry of Works and Transport’s enthusiasm for starting this landmark project. An ancient Chinese proverb reads, “If you want to become rich, you first have to build a road”. That wisdom holds true till this day. And in our case, purpose built infrastructure paired with modern and specifically tailored traffic management systems have the power to place our nation on a new trajectory to prosperity. Let us embrace all of this change and open up our hearts and minds to the new and exciting places and opportunities
the Valencia to Toco Road can take us.
Thank you