Point Fortin residents to be relocated

RESIDENTS of Point Ligoure and New Lands in Point Fortin, who claimed operations at Atlantic LNG presented health and environmental hazards to their community, are most likely be moved to a new residential settlement by the end of the year. Labour Minister and Point Fortin MP Lawrence Achong told Newsday yesterday that “the target date” was the end of the year in relation to the completion of these living quarters. However, Achong cautioned that the project could run into early next year. A total of 100 apartments are expected to be built by the National Housing Authority at Southern Gardens. Around 80 may be occupied by families from Pt Ligoure and New Lands, Housing Ministry, sources said. Each apartment would have between two to three bedrooms, sources added. The area for the housing overlooks Egypt Dam. At present access and other road works are being done for the settlement.

Achong, recalling the stir of controversy the residents caused, further said that “negotiations (between himself and Atlantic LNG) have been going on for quite some time. While the residents were agitating, I was quietly negotiating.” Corporate Communications Manager at Atlantic LNG, Esther Le Gendre said, “Atlantic is moving to create a buffer zone, which is a transition zone between heavy industrial estates and residential areas.” “The company is seeking to relocate at its own expense some 80 families of Pt Ligoure and New Lands from the proposed zone to Southern Gardens, not far from their present location,” she added.

She said that Atlantic LNG will fund the building of homes earmarked for relocated families. “The focus of our relocation effort is on land owners, land tenants and owners of buildings whether they are rented or owner occupied.” She said that door-to-door and community meetings were held between Atlantic LNG officials and the residents. Atlantic LNG President Rick Cape visited homes annexing the company’s LNG facilities as a “first step” in consultation towards arriving at an acceptable solution for the problems articulated by residents. MP Achong also disclosed to Newsday that Atlantic LNG would also assist in the construction of a beach facility for the residents. “There are other things in the pipeline, negotiations are yet to be concluded. Point Fortin is going to be alright,” Achong assured.