It’s one of four public docks targeted for repairs under the Public Works Ministry
A popular community dock on North Shore Road is undergoing much-needed repairs.
The Minister of Public Works, Lt Col David Burch, has identified several public docks in need of refurbishment, with Sandy’s Dock in Devonshire next on the list.
“As part of the mid-year budget, we, the Ministry, received about 3.8 million to carry out various projects in the community,” said Minister Burch. “400,000 of that was allocated for dock works across the country. We have completed work on Mangrove Bay, and Sandy’s Bay is close to completion. There are two other docks in line – White’s Island and one at the prison farm.
“This project is under budget – each was estimated at 100,000, and this one is costing about 60,000.”
Jason Smith of Smith Hailing and Excavating has been engaged to carry out the project, which will improve the dock’s accessibility and usability after years of gradual deterioration.
Austin Kenny, Principal Structural Engineer at the Ministry of Public Works, said the North Shore dock is particularly vulnerable to the elements.
“The dock that you see behind us was fairly beaten up,” Mr Kenny said. “It’s quite exposed here on the North Shore. Over the years, the concrete deck surface had cracked and broken, and it was becoming unsafe.
“The work behind us is to pull up all loose material and pour a new concrete surface. It will be much safer and better use for the community. We are also repairing the steps, as well as access in and out, and installing new handrails and life rings.
“Since we’re here as well, there was a wall that came down in the last hurricane back in September—that work is already complete.”
To ensure the repairs stand the test of time, high-quality materials such as stainless steel hand railings and fibre-reinforced cement are being used.
Owen Darrell, the Progressive Labour Party’s candidate for Constituency 15, Pembroke East, said the condition of the dock has been a concern for area residents. He looks forward to restoring community pride in the historic site.
“Though I seek to be the representative for Pembroke East, this is a dock where many in the area grew up—learning to swim and having barbecues,” said Mr Darrell.
“There will be members of this community who remember when there was a springboard here. But, because of hurricanes and general wear and tear over the years, it became inaccessible and it became unsafe for residents.”
“So, it’s great to see that tangible work is being done. I’ve had conversations with the Minister and his team. On top of the dock, they are going to put topsoil here on the park, they are going to redo the barriers, redo the trees that are here, so we’re going to bring this back to an area of prominence that residents of Pembroke East can be proud of.”
“I look forward to maybe a new generation of young people learning to swim by being thrown off of the North Shore Dock.”
Questioned on the timing of the works, which come just two weeks ahead of the General Election, Mr Darrell stated:
“It’s good fiscal responsibility by this government.
“We were able to manage the funds effectively and, as the Premier said a few months ago, we decided it was imperative to reinvest these funds into the community and infrastructure.”
While the schedule of the work depends on the tides, it is estimated that the project will take about a month longer, with a full transformation in time for the first swim of the season on May 24th.
