The Office of the Chief Secretary advises that lands designated for the residents affected by the ANR Robinson International Airport expansion project, at Shirvan Development and COVE Development, are now fully accessible to the affected residents.
THA Chief Secretary, the Honourable Ancil K. Dennis, recently held a meeting with the various stakeholders to confirm the final arrangements and terms and conditions for occupying the lands. The meeting included members from the Airport Relocation Committee (ARC); Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment (DIQE); Division of Settlements, Urban Renewal and Public Utilities (SURPU); Land Management Department – THA; Planning Department – THA; Town and Country Planning Division; Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA); and Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC).
Mr. Dennis says he is both satisfied and relieved that all arrangements are in place for residents to access and occupy lands at the developments. However, Chief Secretary Dennis cautions that it is important for the processes implemented by the THA to be followed by all interested residents.
The lands which have been provided by the THA at subsidized costs of $30/sq. ft. at Shirvan Development and $50/sq. ft. at COVE are accessible every day (Monday to Sunday) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for construction. Residents can access the lands using the following process:
- Complete negotiations with NIDCO
- Visit the ARC office at Canaan to obtain an Offer Letter
- Read and sign Offer Letter
- Await instructions from ARC to make payments at the Division of Finance and the Economy {initial payment of at least 50% and the remaining 50% in the next three (3) months}
- Await written approval from ARC to access lands at Shirvan/COVE
Additionally, Chief Secretary Dennis advises that any resident who believes he/she is unable to meet the financial requirements set by the THA, for the lands at Shirvan and/or COVE, should communicate with staff at the ARC office.
Mr. Dennis continues to assure all affected residents that the Tobago House of Assembly is committed to helping minimise the stress of the transition process and making it as smooth as possible.