Work on the Coewood Beach Enhancement Project is well underway and in fact, the boat ramp, curbing and sidewalk works are complete. While the entire project should be completed sometime in June, boaters and fishermen should be able to launch boats by the end of April, said project manager Niasa Ross.

The Coewood Beach, public parking lot and boat ramp area is 10,216 square feet and is located on a parcel of land that is 37, 026 sq. ft.  Mr. Coewood owned two of the three parcels of land and the land to the west was owned by Mr. Clifton and Gwenythe Hunter.  While the estimated cost of the entire project is $500,000, this current phase is around $200,000.

Work on the market stalls are a second part of the Coewood Beach Enhancement Project and will be carried out by Public Works Department. This element of the project will commence once the Planning Department has given approval.

Deputy Premier and Minister of District Administration Works, Lands and Agriculture Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly toured the site and was pleased to see that the project was near completion.

“The people of Bodden Town have been ready for this boat ramp – a place that they were about to launch their boats within the districts, rather than go to other districts. The work looks good and I was happy to be able to collaborate with my colleagues Minister Mark Scotland and MLA Dwayne Seymour.

“This will be a good area for tourists and families to enjoy, once the project is completed, and overall it will enhance the lives of our people,” she said.

“This site is popular with local fishermen and will also be well-received by recreational boaters, especially now that summer is coming. When the project is complete, it will be a much more enjoyable place for families and the community,” Minister Scotland said.

“We are grateful for the funding from DAWL&A Ministry and the Hon. Deputy Premier, which allowed us to renovate and enhance this site for the people of Bodden Town,” he added.

Bodden Town MLA Dwayne Seymour said he was also appreciative that the Ministry saw the need for the boat ramp and beach enhancement project in Bodden Town and collaborated with Minister Scotland and myself. “For this we are grateful to Minister Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Conolly and her team.”

Mr. Clarence McLaughlin, owner of C & R Building and Renovation Company, the company responsible for the curbing, parking lot and boat ramp sections said he was happy for the work and noted that he and all his employees are from the district of Bodden Town.

“It is being built and I am building it.  I am trying to get the contract finished as soon as possible. Everyone is happy and people will soon be able to launch their boats. I have about two to three weeks left of work,” he said.