The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development have recently announced their collaboration with UK company, Mott MacDonald Ltd to develop a Transport Infrastructure Master Plan for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The purpose of the Transport Infrastructure Master Plan will be to ensure a transportation infrastructure that is founded on sound technical and economic viability, to ensure desired commercial, social, and environmental outcomes, according to the Ministry.
There are many objectives of the Transport Infrastructure Master Plan. The Ministry said that the Master Plan will assist in decision making in transport sector investment selection, as well as promote improved connectivity across the archipelago. It will also reduce costs of transport and movement of goods, people and services while unlocking potential in the private sector through improved international and national transport.
The Transport Infrastructure Master Plan, according to the Ministry will plan for an efficient and effective transport system to support economic growth across TCI. Additionally, it will plan a transport system that values, conserves, and enhances the natural environment of the islands, the Ministry said.
Commenting on the launch of the public consultancy, Minister of PPID Hon. Akierra Missick, said that they are very mindful of the impact the transportation sector has on the people living and visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands.
She stated that in an effort to improve this, the Ministry of PPID, with technical assistance through the Caribbean Development Bank, has undertaken a Transport Master Plan study, through the United Kingdom company, Mott MacDonald Ltd.
She also said that the purpose is to create a holistic and efficient transport system that considers air, sea, and land transportation. She expressed the government’s happiness in supporting this technical assistance, which she said will improve the transportation options and sector that will be sustainable, resilient and energy efficient.
The Ministry stated that a series of stakeholder engagements will take place to raise awareness and gather feedback to achieve the objectives of the study. The physical planning team will engage with key stakeholders along with a public wide virtual town hall.
To this effect, the Ministry stated that stakeholder meetings will be held for each island to maximize the consultations and opportunity to gather information. Engagements will take place between 2-5 May as follow:
Providenciales: Monday 2 May
South Caicos: Tuesday 3 May
Grand Turk: Wednesday 4 May
North Caicos: Thursday 5 May (a.m.)
Middle Caicos: Thursday 5 May (p.m.
