The Maritime Base Wharf, better known as the small wharf in Sandy Ground, is now closed to the public as of January 10th until further notice. A government press release stated that all commercial and individual activities serviced from the jetty are to be discontinued due to safety concerns. Activities usually undertaken at the Maritime Base Wharf will be conducted at the Road Bay Cargo Port.
“The decking of the pier is in poor condition and planks are worn out,” Minister of Tourism, Hayden Hughes remarked at Monday’s press conference, “As soon as you replace [a plank], another one deteriorates, but also the piling under the pier is begging to fall apart.”
In the long term, the jetty will be replaced so that it can facilitate small crafts which are important for the local community and the tourism industry. “There is a request for courts that should be coming back in on Friday,” said Rhon Hazel, superintendent of Ports. He added, “We will be replacing the wooden planks, if not everything, and then doing a complete refurbishing on the top of the wharf.”
