Sangre Grande gets new $4 million PTSC terminal

Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert cut the ribbon to officially open the $4 million refurbished facility at Brierley Street, Sangre Grande .

Imbert said his ministry was committed to creating appropriate infrastructure to enable the improvement in the quality of life for citizens.

He said no area of the country would be left out.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Monday, Imbert said records showed that the old bus terminal facility in Sangre Grande was erected over 30 years ago, during the late 1970s’ at a time when the then PNM Government was placing increasing focus on the provision of improved public transport facilities across Trinidad and Tobago.

He said the old facility remained fully operational until 1994, when the building housing the offices, began to deteriorate.

The facility was subsequently retained only as a passenger platform until 2006, he said.

The Works and Transport Minister said as more buses were added to the Public Transport Service Corporation’s fleet, there was an increase in passenger traffic in and out of Sangre Grande and this emphasised the need for a new and modern passenger facility.

Imbert credited the contractor on the project — Kajde Enterprise Limited — for retaining the original appearance and design of the old Sangre Grande terminal building while ensuring that the new facility was aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. The project commenced in November, 2008 and was completed in November, 2009 at a cost of approximately $4 million.

The minister also announced that Sangre Grande and environs will benefit from the $15 billion major highway development which the ministry intends on launching this year.

Imbert said the project includes the extension of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway to Manzanilla, which will include a new ring road around Sangre Grande.

“To the residents of Sangre Grande, which my family has had a long association with starting with my Grandfather, Charles Imbert, who was the magistrate for this area and the Eastern Counties some 40 years ago, I present this upgrade facility to you. Use it with care and enjoy it,” he said.