PUBLIC NOTICE

REMOVAL OF MANGROVE TO FACILITATE WIDENING OF THE SOUTHERN MAIN ROAD FROM MOSQUITO CREEK TO GODINEAU BRIDGE
The National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO), in partnership with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure (MOWI), is currently constructing the extension of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway to Point Fortin. One segment of this new highway runs from Paria Suites to St. Marys Junction. It is proposed to upgrade the existing roadway on this alignment from two (2) lanes to four (4) lanes. As a consequence, it is necessary to remove a thin strip of mangrove, approximately 1 metre to 10 metres wide, for a length of 2.7 km (approximately 2.4ha). Removal of mangroves is scheduled to begin on Wednesday 29th May, 2013 and will be done in consultation with the Forestry Division and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA). Concurrently, mangrove rehabilitation will be carried out to compensate for the loss of mangroves due to this activity. In accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Management Act 2000, the MOWI sought and obtained a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (C.E.C.) for this activity. In addition, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was done prior to the granting of a CEC from the EMA NIDCO and the MOWI have prepared a Mangrove Rehabilitation Plan (MRP) in accordance with Section 6.1 of the CEC No. 2824/2010. The latter plan was approved by the Forestry Division and the EMA. Essentially, the plan seeks to satisfy the requirement of the National Wetlands Policy regarding no net loss of wetlands and their values and functions. Motorists are kindly asked to take notice of the following when approaching the area of road works: Please reduce speed significantly; Please proceed with extreme caution and observe all directional signs and barriers in the work area; Please obey the instructions of the Police Officers on site to ensure traffic flows in an orderly manner. All precautions are being taken by NIDCO and its contractors to ensure that proper Health, Safety and Environmental Standards are maintained. We thank you for your cooperation and regret any inconvenience caused. The Corporate Communications Department National Infrastructure Development Company Limited # 3 Melbourne Street Port of Spain Phone: 624-5593 E-mail: communications@nidco.co.tt

Map showing 2.7 km stretch from Mosquito Creek Bridge to Godineau River Bridge where mangrove trees are to be removed.