The Tribune

CONCERNED residents in the area surrounding Sandyport claim the dredging of the canal is contributing to beach erosion and causing debris to wash up on nearby shores.

A local home-owner told the press, a barge had arrived four times in the past ten days to dredge the canal.

“Each time the barge removed sand and took it in the direction of Arawak Cay – they are supposed to place sifted clean sand on the beach,” the resident said.

“The last time the barge appeared (March 28), the police were seen speaking to the people on the barge and apparently ordered the barge to leave the canal. Apparently, the police were called due to repeated dredging violations and in defiance of government cease and desist orders.”

The resident said it has been “well documented in the press” that Sandyport has been “dumping debris” on the beach for years – including, boulders, rocks, conch shells, and metal parts.

“Sandyport’s irresponsible behaviour dates back over 20 years and has affected home-owners of Sandyport who use the beach, as well as other people who live in the area, including companies that work with Poop Deck for weddings,” the resident continued.

“In addition to the debris on the beach, it has been reported that Sandyport has removed thousands of cubic yards of sand from the canal contributing to erosion on both sides of the beach, especially the beach east of the canal near the Sandyport restaurant – this has also been reported in The Tribune.”

When reached for comment Simon Cooper, the manager of Home Owners Association, pointed to previous comments he made on the situation, last week.

He had said dredging of the Sandyport canal has been put on hold as an application for the clearing of the access point has now been placed before the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to Mr Cooper, normally the permits are filed with the Department of Lands and Surveys before any work is carried out. However, in the most recent of the regular dredging exercises, the association was told that such approvals would now have to come from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Although weather conditions are causing sand deposits to build up at the mouth of the Sandyport canal, Mr Cooper said they have stopped clearing it away as they await the approvals.

The police officer who was reportedly “dealing with the Sandyport dredging matter” according to the resident, could not be reached up to press time last night.