Land Reclamation Required For Fisheries Project
The Recovery and Development Agency has revealed that land reclamation will be necessary to build the new Fisheries Landing Site at Omar Hodge Wharf. The decision was made to avoid disturbing an adjacent community park, though it will add to overall project costs. The upgraded facility will provide modern docking, ice vending, and fish cleaning amenities to support the local fishing sector.
The planned Fisheries Landing Site at the Omar Hodge Wharf in Baughers Bay will require land reclamation to accommodate its proposed facilities, according to officials from the Recovery and Development Agency. Speaking during a public consultation held at the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, RDA representative Smith-Archer explained that spatial limitations presented significant design and construction hurdles.
The project team sought to preserve the existing recreational park situated at the corner of the property, which left limited onshore space for the full scope of the planned infrastructure. To overcome these physical constraints, the RDA determined that reclaiming land along the shoreline is the most viable path forward.
However, officials acknowledged that carrying out reclamation works will significantly increase the total development budget. The agency recently briefed Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley on the preliminary design for the development. According to Smith-Archer, the presented design directly reflects feedback gathered from local fishers and community stakeholders, while balancing the site's physical and financial limitations.
The upgraded Fisheries Landing Site at Omar Hodge Wharf is intended to serve as a cornerstone for the territory's fishing industry by providing purpose-built facilities for local operators and consumers alike. Key features in the proposed scope include a modern berthing facility capable of accommodating vessels up to 45 feet in length, dedicated fish cleaning stations, and on-site commercial ice vending.
The site will also incorporate administrative and operational offices, visitor areas, and an improved traffic layout with convenient pick-up and drop-off zones for the public.
Primary source: VINO